I can see my Nexplanon implant: what should I know?

The etonogestrel implant rod sits under the skin of the upper arm and is usually checked by feeling its position. It may look more prominent if the skin or soft tissue over it is thin, if swelling has changed, or if the rod has moved closer to the skin. A visible rod can also reflect irritation or pressure from clothing or activity.

Seeing the rod does not by itself show whether contraception is working or whether it has moved. Position, insertion date, medicines, and whether the full rod can be felt all matter. A trained clinician can assess this safely.

Do not press, bend, cut, tape, or attempt to remove the implant. Arrange a prompt appointment with the clinician or service that inserted it. Until its position and contraceptive protection are confirmed, ask whether you should use condoms or another backup method.

Keep the area clean and avoid repeated checking or rubbing. Tell the clinician about numbness, tingling, weakness, new arm pain, a change in the rod shape, or medicines that may affect contraception. Removal or replacement should be performed by a trained professional.

Seek urgent medical advice for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, severe swelling, heavy bleeding from the insertion site, or new weakness or numbness in the arm. Get prompt help if the rod has partly come through the skin or cannot be felt after previously being easy to locate.

Is the rod fully under the skin and in the expected position? Do I need imaging or replacement? Is backup contraception needed while its position is checked? Would a hormonal coil be a suitable alternative for me?