The Wandering Implant: A Growing Concern for Women’s Reproductive Health
For Victoria Stephens, a 28-year-old retail assistant from Gosport in Hampshire, the contraceptive implant Nexplanon was initially a perfect solution. No periods, no pain, and the convenience of not having to remember a daily pill. But her experience, like those of hundreds of other women in the UK, highlights a disturbing trend: contraceptive implants, and other implanted devices, can migrate within the body, leading to complications ranging from discomfort and ineffective contraception to life-threatening emergencies.
The Rise of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) and the Risk of Migration
Nexplanon, a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm, is used by approximately 400,000 women in the UK. Its popularity stems from its effectiveness and convenience, lasting up to three years. However, a growing number of reports reveal that these devices aren’t always staying position. Instances of migration have raised alarms among healthcare professionals and patients alike.
The issue isn’t limited to Nexplanon. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), or ‘coils’, implantable loop recorders, and even dental implants have been known to move, sometimes with devastating consequences. The NHS estimates that IUD migration occurs in roughly one or two cases per thousand patients, affecting around 700,000 women in the UK with IUD implants.
From Perfect to Perilous: Victoria’s Story and Others
Victoria’s initial positive experience with Nexplanon turned into a nightmare when, after a few years, she discovered her implant had become lodged deep within her arm, requiring surgical removal. She later discovered a second implant had also migrated, causing pain and rendering the contraception ineffective. Her story isn’t unique.
In 2024, TV personality Dani Dyer needed surgery to remove her Mirena coil after it migrated into her pelvic area, causing significant pain. More alarmingly, a woman in her 20s required surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge after her Nexplanon implant travelled to her pulmonary artery, necessitating five days of hospital recovery. In another case, a woman from Essex unknowingly became pregnant after being assured a newly inserted implant was simply positioned deeper than usual – subsequent investigations revealed it had never been inserted at all.
Why Are These Devices Moving?
Incorrect insertion is a primary culprit. The Nexplanon implant is inserted using a ‘gun’ that punctures the skin. Dr. Kathryn Clement, a consultant gynaecologist, emphasizes that even highly trained staff can occasionally develop mistakes. The risk is heightened when the implant is mistakenly inserted into the basilic vein, a blood vessel in the arm, allowing it to travel through the bloodstream.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reported at least 126 cases of migrating Nexplanon implants in the UK between 2010 and 2020. Eighteen of those women required emergency treatment for devices lodged in or around their lungs, causing severe breathing problems.
Beyond Contraception: Other Migrating Implants
The problem extends beyond contraceptive implants. Implantable loop recorders, used to monitor heart rhythms, can also migrate, sometimes ending up in the chest or lungs. Pacemaker leads can become displaced, potentially puncturing a lung or damaging the heart. Even dental implants can dislodge, with cases reported of teeth migrating into patients’ sinuses.
What Can Be Done?
The MHRA advises that women should be shown how to locate the implant immediately after insertion and check it regularly. Correct insertion technique, including the new recommended insertion site, is crucial to reduce the risk of neurovascular injury and migration. Healthcare professionals should be appropriately trained and accredited by organizations like the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.
For women experiencing unusual symptoms, such as pain, inability to locate the implant, or changes in their menstrual cycle, prompt medical attention is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is implant migration? It’s when a contraceptive implant or other implanted device moves from its original placement within the body.
- What are the symptoms of a migrating implant? Symptoms can include pain, inability to feel the implant, changes in menstrual cycles, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
- How is a migrating implant treated? Treatment typically involves surgical removal, even though this can be complicated if the implant has travelled to a difficult-to-reach location.
- Can I still get pregnant if my implant has migrated? Yes, if the implant has migrated and is no longer functioning correctly, you are at risk of pregnancy.
Pro Tip: If you have a contraceptive implant, regularly check for its presence and report any concerns to your healthcare provider immediately.
Have you had experience with a contraceptive implant? Share your story in the comments below.
