Compare

Cervical Cap vs Withdrawal

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

Last verified October 11, 2026Updated October 11, 2026

Side-by-side comparison

Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.
Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to reduce the chance of sperm reaching the egg.

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to reduce the chance of sperm reaching the egg.
Efficacy	Cervical Cap 78% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Withdrawal 80% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually	Withdrawal $0
Duration	Cervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)	Withdrawal Per act
Reversibility	Cervical Cap Reversible	Withdrawal Reversible
STI protection	Cervical Cap No	Withdrawal No
How it works	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap fits snugly over the cervix and stays in place by suction, blocking sperm from entering the cervix. Used with spermicide inside the cap.	Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to keep semen out of the vagina. Pre-ejaculate may contain some sperm. A 2024 pilot study found sperm in about 13% of pre-ejaculate samples, though roughly 75% of participants had no sperm in any sample.
Prescription	Cervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)	Withdrawal Not required Self-Directed
Side effects	Cervical Cap Vaginal irritation from spermicide Unusual vaginal discharge Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period	Withdrawal None reported
Who shouldn't use this	Cervical Cap Cervical anomaly preventing fit Active pelvic infection Sensitivity to silicone or spermicide Inability to insert or remove reliably History of toxic shock syndrome High risk of HIV exposure (because of the spermicide)	Withdrawal Partner unable to withdraw consistently before ejaculation Need for highly effective contraception

Key differences

With typical use, 22 in 100 people using Cervical Cap get pregnant in a year, vs 20 in 100 with Withdrawal (both least effective). How long it lasts: Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged); Withdrawal, per act. A prescription is needed for Cervical Cap, not for Withdrawal. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90. Withdrawal: costs $0.