In a rare medical occurrence, a contraceptive implant, Nexplanon, migrated from a woman's upper arm to her lung in the United Kingdom. Doctors believe the device was not inserted properly, leading to its dislodgement and subsequent migration. This unusual case highlights the importance of proper implantation techniques to avoid potential complications with contraceptive devices.
Emily Cooke, a health news writer based in London, reported on this case. Cooke, who holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Durham University and a master's degree in clinical and therapeutic neuroscience from Oxford University, was named one of MHP Communications' 30 journalists to watch under 30 in 2018. Her expertise in health-related issues brings attention to the critical need for awareness and education on contraceptive methods.
Nexplanon is the only contraceptive implant currently available in both the U.K. and the U.S. It provides effective contraception for up to three years before it requires removal. The implant is a small plastic rod, approximately 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) long, placed underneath the skin of the upper arm. Despite its effectiveness, there have been rare instances of implant migration. Between 2006 and 2015, 38 cases were reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to a study published in 2017.
The woman in question, who is in her 30s, had her Nexplanon implant inserted six years ago. A week after insertion, the device became dislodged and moved from the tissue beneath her skin into a vein in her upper arm. The doctors who diagnosed this case published their findings in the BMJ Case Reports journal on January 30. This incident underscores the necessity of proper training for healthcare professionals tasked with implanting such devices.
While Nexplanon offers a 0.05% chance of unplanned pregnancy during its first year of use if implanted correctly, migration can lead to unforeseen complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2023 that approximately one in four women aged between 15 and 49 in the U.S. have used either contraceptive implants or intrauterine devices at some point. This statistic emphasizes the widespread reliance on these forms of birth control.
