Side effects of leaving Nexplanon in too long

Nexplanon releases etonogestrel, a progestogen, from a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. Its contraceptive protection is established for the duration stated for your specific implant and local product guidance. After that point, the amount released may no longer be enough to prevent ovulation reliably, so pregnancy becomes possible even if the rod is still present.

The rod does not normally become toxic simply because it remains in the arm. You may still notice irregular bleeding, spotting, absent periods, breast tenderness, acne, headache or mood changes associated with the implant. Keeping it in place also leaves a foreign object under the skin and can make later removal more difficult if it shifts, becomes deeply placed or is surrounded by scar tissue.

A missed or late removal appointment does not mean pregnancy has occurred. If pregnancy is possible, use a home test when appropriate and contact a clinician for advice, particularly if you have pain or unusual bleeding.

Check the date you were given for removal or replacement and book an appointment with a qualified clinician. Do not try to remove the rod yourself. At the visit, the clinician can feel its position, discuss whether you want another implant or a different contraceptive, and arrange removal; imaging or a specialist may be needed when the rod cannot be felt.

Until a clinician confirms that your implant is still within its effective period, use condoms or avoid sex that could result in pregnancy. If unprotected sex happened after the advised date, ask promptly about emergency contraception and when to take a pregnancy test. A clinician can also review troublesome bleeding, headaches or mood symptoms rather than assuming they are caused only by the implant.

Arrange routine care for a missed removal date, a rod you can no longer feel, a change in its shape or position, or persistent bleeding and other symptoms that concern you.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening lower-abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding that makes you feel weak. These symptoms can need assessment for pregnancy-related complications or another urgent cause. Get prompt care for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever around the implant site, or for numbness and weakness in the arm or hand.

Ask: Which replacement date applies to my implant? Is the rod easy to feel and remove? Do I need extra contraception now? What should I do about my bleeding or other symptoms? If I want to continue contraception, which option fits my health history and plans?