"118 IUD prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. An IUD can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years until a health care provider removes it. • Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills, injection s, skin patches, and vaginal rings, release hormones into a woman’s body that interfere with fertility by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. • Sterilization is a method that permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant or a man from being able to get a woman pregnant. Sterilization involves surgical procedures that must be done by a health care provider and usually cannot be reversed. The choice of birth control depends on factors such as a person's overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, desire to have children in the future, and family history of certain diseases. A woman should talk to her health care provider about her choice of birth control method. It is important to remember that even tho ugh birth control methods can prevent pregnancy, they do not all protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Contraception Methods There is no \"best\" method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons. All women and men can have contro l over when, and if, they become parents. Making choices about birth control, or contraception, isn't easy. There are many things to think about. To get started, learn about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy. You can al so talk with your doctor about the choices. Before choosing a birth control method, think about: • Your overall health • How often you have sex • The number of sex partners you have • If you want to have children someday • How well each method works to prevent pregnancy • Possible side effects • Your comfort level with using the method You can choose from many methods of birth control. They are grouped by how they work: • Continuous abstinence: This means not having sex (vagin al, anal, or oral) at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. • Natural fa mily planning/rhythm method: This method is when you do not have sex or use a barrier method on the days you are most fertile (most likely to become"