Female Sterilization
vs
Sponge

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

Female Sterilization

A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Sponge

Sponge

A soft foam disc placed deep in the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and contains spermicide.
Efficacy99.5% typical use

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Least effective see details

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Cost$0–$6,000

Insurance: Usually

$15–$20 /per package

Insurance: No

DurationPermanentSingle use (can be left in place up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of sex)
ReversibilityPermanentReversible
STI ProtectionNoNo
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 foam disc impregnated with spermicide is placed over the cervix before sex. The spermicide kills or disables sperm and the physical barrier blocks sperm from entering the uterus.

PrescriptionRequired Prescription requiredOTC No prescription / OTC
Available Products2 products1 product
Side effects
  • Surgical risks (bleeding, infection, organ damage)
  • Anesthesia side effects
  • Ectopic pregnancy (small but serious risk if failure occurs)
  • Vaginal irritation or dryness
  • Increased risk of urinary tract infection
  • Rare allergic reaction
Who shouldn't use this
  • Medical instability for general anesthesia or laparoscopy
  • Uncertainty about future fertility desires
  • Allergy to nonoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, or other spermicide ingredients
  • History of toxic shock syndrome
  • Active vaginal infection
  • Inability to insert or remove reliably
  • High risk of HIV exposure (frequent nonoxynol-9 use may increase vaginal irritation; CDC cautions)