Cervical CapvsVasectomy

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

Side-by-side comparison

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	Vasectomy A permanent outpatient procedure that blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen.
Efficacy	Least effective see details Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	99.85% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	$73–$97 Insurance: Usually	$0–$3,500 Insurance: Usually
Duration	Reusable for 2 years (replace every 2 years or sooner if damaged)	Permanent
Reversibility	Reversible	Permanent
STI Protection	No	No
How it works	A small silicone cap fits snugly over the cervix and stays in place by suction, blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Used with spermicide inside the cap.	A clinician cuts, seals, or blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot mix with semen during ejaculation. The body absorbs the sperm, and the semen remains normal in appearance and volume.
Prescription	Required Prescription required	OTC Procedure (in-person)
Side effects	Vaginal irritation from spermicide Discomfort if not fitted correctly Unusual vaginal discharge if left in too long	Mild pain or swelling for a few days Bruising or bleeding at the site Sperm granuloma (small lump, usually harmless) Chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome (rare, 1-2%)
Who shouldn't use this	Cervical anomaly preventing fit Active pelvic infection Sensitivity to silicone or spermicide Inability to insert or remove reliably	Uncertainty about future fertility desires Active local or systemic infection Bleeding disorder

Key differences

Cervical Cap duration: Reusable for 2 years (replace every 2 years or sooner if damaged). Vasectomy duration: Permanent. Cervical Cap is reversible; Vasectomy is permanent. Cervical Cap requires a prescription; Vasectomy does not. Cervical Cap: costs $73–$97. Vasectomy: costs $0–$3,500.