What happens if a Nexplanon implant migrates?

If a Nexplanon implant migrates, it can cause severe health issues such as becoming lodged deep in the arm, traveling to the lungs causing breathing problems, or causing nerve damage leading to loss of limb use.

How many women have experienced Nexplanon implant migration?

A 2020 report revealed at least 126 women in the UK had been affected by wandering Nexplanon implants since the device was approved for use in 2010.

What are the risks associated with migrated contraceptive devices?

Migrated contraceptive devices like Nexplanon or IUDs can lead to complications including emergency treatment for lung issues, nerve damage, unwanted pregnancies if the device stops working, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, and life-threatening sepsis.

Home / Health / Contraceptive Implant Moves, Causing Health Scares

Contraceptive Implant Moves, Causing Health Scares

17 Feb

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Summary

Nexplanon implants can migrate from the arm, causing severe health issues.
126 UK women reported wandering implants, with 18 needing emergency treatment.
Implant migration can lead to nerve damage, lung issues, and unwanted pregnancies.

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.