Scarleteen

Hi! So I've had the implant for about 6 months now, I am trained to teach sex Ed so know how hormones in the implant prevents pregnancy etc, but do not know the actual mechanics of it. By this I mean how does it release the hormone? I know this sounds silly because I do know how it works but don't know how a piece of plastic manages to contain and release 3 years worth of hormone! Thank you!

Hey there, Rachel. And thanks for coming here to work with our Twitter policies. This actually is a pretty short answer, but we have to hold a line with answering questions there or else it would be mania.

Ultimately, whether we're talking implant, IUD or Nuvaring, they all basically do this the same way. They're made of materials -- kinds of plastics -- which contain the medication, and then slowly release them over time. Which specific kind of plastic is chosen for any kind of delivery device like this (contraception or other medications) apparently has to do with how fast or slowly the medication is intended to be delivered.

Does that make sense and answer what you were asking?

That's very helpful thank you!!!

Happy to help.

(Delivery devices for medications are pretty fascinating, IMO. Go technology!)