Compare

External Condom vs Tubal Ligation

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

External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.
Female Sterilization A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Method	External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.	Female Sterilization A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Efficacy	External Condom 87% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Female Sterilization 99.5% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	External Condom $0–$2 per unit Insurance: Varies	Female Sterilization $0–$6,000 Insurance: Usually
Duration	External Condom Single use	Female Sterilization Permanent
Reversibility	External Condom Reversible	Female Sterilization Permanent
STI protection	External Condom Yes	Female Sterilization No
How it works	External Condom A sheath worn over the penis that keeps sperm from entering a partner's body. Latex and plastic condoms also block contact with semen and vaginal fluids that can carry STIs.	Female Sterilization Surgical disruption (clipping, banding, cauterization, or complete removal) of the fallopian tubes prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
Prescription	External Condom Not required Over-the-Counter	Female Sterilization Required In-Person Procedure
Side effects	External Condom Allergic reaction to latex in people with a latex allergy	Female Sterilization Surgical risks (bleeding, infection, organ damage) Anesthesia side effects Ectopic pregnancy (a serious risk if pregnancy occurs after the procedure)
Who shouldn't use this	External Condom Known allergy to latex (use polyisoprene or polyurethane instead)	Female Sterilization Medical instability for general anesthesia or laparoscopy Uncertainty about future fertility desires Known allergy or hypersensitivity to materials used in the procedure

Key differences

With typical use, 13 in 100 people using External Condom get pregnant in a year, vs 0.5 in 100 with Female Sterilization (least effective vs most effective). How long it lasts: External Condom, single use; Female Sterilization, permanent. External Condom: reversible. Female Sterilization: permanent. STI protection: only with External Condom. A prescription is needed for Female Sterilization, not for External Condom. External Condom: costs $0–$2 per unit. Female Sterilization: costs $0–$6,000.