External Condom
vs
Pill
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 |  External CondomA non-hormonal barrier method that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter. |  PillNo non-hormonal birth control pill is FDA-approved in the US. Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is approved and used in India. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 87% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year. | Limited evidence see details Limited evidence: no verifiable efficacy data available. |
| Cost | $0.5–$3 /per unit Insurance: Varies | Contact provider Insurance: Varies |
| Duration | Single use | Weekly pill (ongoing) |
| Reversibility | Reversible | Reversible |
| STI Protection | Yes | No |
| How it works | A physical sheath worn over the penis that blocks semen from entering the vagina and reduces skin-to-skin contact that transmits STIs. | Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg in the endometrium. It does not suppress ovulation and does not contain estrogen or progestin. It is not FDA-approved in the US. |
| Prescription | OTC No prescription / OTC | Required Prescription required |
| Available Products | 3 products | 1 product |
| Side effects |
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| Who shouldn't use this |
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