Contraceptive Implant Moves, Causing Health Scares

The Nexplanon contraceptive implant, used by approximately 400,000 women in the UK, has been linked to serious migration issues. Victoria Stephens, a 28-year-old retail assistant, experienced her Nexplanon implant becoming lodged deep in her upper arm, requiring a surgical attempt at removal. A 2020 report from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed at least 126 UK women were affected by wandering Nexplanon implants since 2010.

Of these cases, 18 women needed emergency treatment for implants that lodged near their lungs, causing severe breathing problems. In December 2025, surgeons at Royal Papworth Hospital reported an incident where an implant traveled to a woman's pulmonary artery, necessitating chest wall surgery. In December 2024, Danielle Jarrett from Kent lost the use of her left arm due to nerve damage caused by an implant lodged too deep in her arm tissues.

These migrations can occur if the implant is mistakenly inserted into a blood vessel like the basilic vein instead of beneath the skin. Dr. Kathryn Clement, a consultant gynaecologist, noted that while rare, migration can lead to complications like scarring making removal difficult. Furthermore, a woman in Essex became pregnant despite having a replacement implant, as investigations later showed the implant was never inserted, leading to a £35,000 settlement.

Other medical devices, including IUDs, implantable loop recorders, and dental implants, can also migrate. For IUDs, migration occurs in about one to two cases per thousand patients. In 2024, TV personality Dani Dyer required surgery to remove a migrated Mirena coil from her pelvic area, experiencing severe cramps and heavy periods. These instances underscore the importance of proper insertion techniques and regular checks by patients.