Long-Term Methods

There are three types of long-term pregnancy prevention methods, all of which work for several years or more. One kind is the implant; this method can be used for three years.

The second kind is called an intrauterine device (IUD), and can be used for five years or more, depending on the type. Both the IUD and the implant are very good methods for teens who do not want to become pregnant for a while. However, if a teen gets one of these methods and decides she doesn’t want to keep using it, she can have the method removed at any time.

The third type is sterilization. Sterilization is considered a permanent method because it is difficult to reverse. Sterilization is used by people who do not want any children or who have already had all the children that they want.

Long-term methods work very well to prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. If you are having sex with someone who might give you a sexually transmitted disease, use condoms.