Tubal LigationvsInternal Condom

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	Female Sterilization A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.	Internal Condom A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and protects against STIs, available by prescription.
Efficacy	99.5% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	$0–$6,000 Insurance: Usually	$0–$4 /per unit Insurance: Usually
Duration	Permanent	Single use
Reversibility	Permanent	Reversible
STI Protection	No	Yes
How it works	Surgical disruption (clipping, banding, cauterization, or complete removal) of the fallopian tubes prevents eggs from reaching the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg.	A soft, loose-fitting nitrile pouch lines the vagina and collects semen. The inner ring anchors it at the cervix and the outer ring stays outside the vaginal opening.
Prescription	Required Prescription required	Required Prescription required
Side effects	Surgical risks (bleeding, infection, organ damage) Anesthesia side effects Ectopic pregnancy (small but serious risk if failure occurs)	Mild irritation or discomfort Noise during use if not positioned correctly Slippage with incorrect insertion
Who shouldn't use this	Medical instability for general anesthesia or laparoscopy Uncertainty about future fertility desires	Sensitivity to nitrile (rare)

Key differences

Female Sterilization is more effective (99.5% vs 79% typical use). Female Sterilization duration: Permanent. Internal Condom duration: Single use. Female Sterilization is permanent; Internal Condom is reversible. Only Internal Condom protects against STIs. Female Sterilization: costs $0–$6,000. Internal Condom: costs $0–$4 per unit.