Reports of two broken nexplanon® rods

Abstract

Damage to progestin containing contraceptive implants has been reported for Implanon® rods but there appear to be few reports of damage to Nexplanon® rods. This report describes 2 cases of Nexplanon ® rod breakage in an 18-year-old female and a 25-year-old female. The literature regarding damaged progestin implants is reviewed. These reports often involve an alteration in menstrual bleeding pattern and patients frequently request removal of bent or broken implants. The overall incidence of rod breakage and impact of damaged implants on contraceptive efficacy is not clear. Evidence based guidelines to inform management of suspected damage to contraceptive implants would be helpful. In the meantime, a shared decision-making process offering removal and replacement of damaged implants would seem reasonable.