What should you know about Nexplanon pregnancy?

Nexplanon is a small etonogestrel implant placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a progestogen that mainly prevents ovulation. No contraceptive method is completely effective, and protection can be reduced if the implant is outside its replacement window, was not inserted correctly, or interacts with certain medicines or herbal products.

Bleeding changes, including no periods, spotting, or irregular bleeding, are common with the implant and do not by themselves confirm pregnancy. Nausea, breast tenderness, unusual tiredness, or a missed expected bleed can have several explanations. A home urine pregnancy test is a useful first check, but a clinician may arrange repeat testing, blood tests, or an ultrasound depending on timing and symptoms.

Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible, following the kit instructions. If the result is positive, contact a healthcare professional promptly and tell them when the implant was inserted, whether you take any regular medicines, and the first day of your last known period if you remember it.

Do not try to remove Nexplanon yourself. Use condoms or avoid sex until you have received advice about contraception and pregnancy assessment. If pregnancy is confirmed, a clinician can discuss whether the implant should be removed and review medicines that may not be suitable during pregnancy.

Seek urgent medical help for a positive pregnancy test or possible pregnancy with one-sided lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or unusual vaginal bleeding. These symptoms can occur with an ectopic pregnancy, which needs prompt assessment even if the pain is mild or the implant is still in place.

Go to emergency care for severe or worsening pain, collapse, marked weakness, or heavy bleeding. If the implant cannot be felt, appears to have moved, or the arm becomes very painful, swollen, or red, arrange medical review as well.

You could ask: Could this test result be affected by when I tested? Do I need a blood test or ultrasound? Should the implant be removed now? Could any medicine or supplement I use have reduced its contraceptive effect? What contraception is suitable while my result is being clarified?