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External Condom vs Spermicide

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.
Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.

Method	External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.	Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.
Efficacy	External Condom 87% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Spermicide 79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	External Condom $0–$2 per unit Insurance: Varies	Spermicide $16–$18 per package Insurance: Varies
Duration	External Condom Single use	Spermicide Single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex)
Reversibility	External Condom Reversible	Spermicide Reversible
STI protection	External Condom Yes	Spermicide 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.	Spermicide A chemical (usually nonoxynol-9) immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex.
Prescription	External Condom Not required Over-the-Counter	Spermicide Not required Over-the-Counter
Side effects	External Condom Allergic reaction to latex in people with a latex allergy	Spermicide Vaginal or penile irritation Increased risk of UTI Allergic reaction
Who shouldn't use this	External Condom Known allergy to latex (use polyisoprene or polyurethane instead)	Spermicide Sensitivity to nonoxynol-9 High risk of HIV exposure, or HIV in you or a partner (frequent use may increase transmission risk)

Key differences

With typical use, 13 in 100 people using External Condom get pregnant in a year, vs 21 in 100 with Spermicide (both least effective). How long it lasts: External Condom, single use; Spermicide, single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex). STI protection: only with External Condom. External Condom: costs $0–$2 per unit. Spermicide: costs $16–$18 per package.