Is it normal for Nexplanon to move a little? What You Need to Know

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of people use the Nexplanon implant for long-term birth control, and a common concern is the feeling of it moving under the skin. So, is it normal for Nexplanon to move a little? The answer is that some minor shifting is generally expected, but significant or unpalpable movement warrants a call to your healthcare provider.

Quick Summary

A Nexplanon implant can shift slightly from its original position, typically a centimeter or less, which is considered a normal occurrence. However, major migration, discomfort, or the inability to feel the implant requires immediate medical evaluation to ensure it remains effective and properly positioned.

Key Points

Slight Shift is Normal: A minor, less-than-one-inch movement of the implant after insertion is common and usually harmless.
Significant Movement Requires Evaluation: If the implant shifts more than an inch or becomes unpalpable, contact your doctor for an assessment.
Self-Check Regularly: Periodically feel for the implant in your arm to ensure it remains in place and hasn't shifted significantly.
Don't Manipulate the Implant: Avoid pushing or prodding the implant, as this can worsen the situation if migration is occurring.
Improper Insertion is a Primary Cause: Rare but serious migration is often linked to deep or incorrect initial placement of the implant.
Use Backup Contraception if Lost: If your implant cannot be felt, use a backup birth control method until a doctor confirms its location.

Understanding Normal Nexplanon Movement

When a healthcare provider inserts your Nexplanon, it is placed just beneath the skin in your upper arm. After the procedure, it's normal to be able to feel the implant, which is about the size of a matchstick. In the days and weeks following insertion, the implant can settle into place as swelling subsides and the surrounding tissue heals. During this period, and over the course of its use, a very minor shift is expected. This can happen due to everyday movements and the natural flexibility of your skin and muscle tissue. A subtle downward shift of around a centimeter, for example, is generally not a cause for concern and does not affect the implant's effectiveness.

Why a Small Shift Happens

The reason for a small shift is directly related to the implant's subdermal placement. Unlike a fixed device, the implant is situated in the soft, fatty tissue just under the skin. This allows for some natural movement as your arm bends, twists, and is used for daily activities. Factors that can influence this include:

Initial Settling: In the first few weeks after insertion, the implant will settle into its permanent pocket. As your body adjusts, a slight change in position may occur.
Physical Activity: High-impact or intense physical activity that involves the arm can cause minor shifts. As long as you can still feel the implant in roughly the same area, this is not usually a problem.
Weight Fluctuations: Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can alter the amount of fatty tissue in the arm, which may change how close to the surface or how easily you can feel the implant.

Identifying Abnormal or Significant Implant Migration

While a minor shift is common, significant or continuous movement is not. Migration of the implant, though rare, is a serious complication that can impact the implant's effectiveness and your health. It is crucial to know the difference between a slight settlement and a more problematic movement. You should regularly check for the implant to ensure it hasn't moved substantially or become unpalpable.

Signs of Concern

If you experience any of the following, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately:

The implant feels significantly further down your arm. While a centimeter or so is normal, a shift of an inch or more is concerning.
You can no longer feel the implant at all. If you check regularly and can't locate the implant, it may have been inserted too deeply or migrated.
Significant discomfort or pain. Pain, numbness, or irritation that worsens with movement could indicate that the implant is irritating a nerve or has moved.
It feels as though the implant is coming out of the skin. This is a sign of possible expulsion or improper insertion.
Symptoms of systemic migration. In extremely rare cases, the implant can enter the vascular system. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.

Potential Causes of Migration

Incorrect Insertion Technique: Deep insertion is the primary cause of migration. If the implant is placed into the muscle or a blood vessel instead of just under the skin, it has a higher chance of moving. The manufacturer's instructions specify a shallow, subdermal insertion to prevent this.
Trauma or Injury: A direct and forceful impact to the insertion site, though not common, could potentially dislodge the implant.

Comparison: Normal vs. Abnormal Nexplanon Movement


Feature	Normal Movement	Abnormal Movement / Migration
Feeling	Slight shift (less than 1 cm), may feel closer to or further from the surface over time.	Significant displacement (more than 1 inch), difficult to feel, or completely unpalpable.
Symptoms	Minimal to no discomfort. Initial tenderness or bruising at the site is common and temporary.	Persistent or increasing pain, numbness, tingling, or unusual swelling. Severe symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath are very rare but serious.
What to Do	Self-check periodically to ensure it's still present. Contact a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.	Immediately contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation. An imaging study (e.g., X-ray) may be needed.

What to Do If You Suspect Migration

Don't Manipulate the Implant: If you feel it has moved, do not try to push it back into place. Excessive manipulation can cause further problems and increase discomfort.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Explain your concerns about the implant's position. Be prepared to describe where you last felt it and what you are experiencing.
Confirm the Implant's Presence: Your provider will first attempt to feel for the implant. Since Nexplanon contains barium, it is radiopaque and can be located using an X-ray if palpation fails. Other imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI may also be used.
Use a Backup Birth Control Method: If the implant cannot be located, or if its position is compromised, you should use an alternative form of contraception (like condoms) to prevent pregnancy until the issue is resolved.

The Role of Proper Insertion

The most significant factor in preventing migration is proper insertion. The Nexplanon applicator was specifically designed to ensure the implant is placed correctly, but it is still dependent on the provider's technique and training. Providers undergo special training to use the applicator and are instructed to palpate the implant immediately after insertion to confirm placement. For more information regarding insertion and removal procedures, consult the official Organon Patient Information.

Conclusion

For most users, a slight shift of the Nexplanon implant is a normal part of its use and is not a cause for alarm. The implant is designed to remain in a stable position and provide effective contraception for up to three years. However, significant movement, persistent pain, or the inability to feel the implant should be taken seriously and promptly addressed by a healthcare provider. Regular self-checks and open communication with your doctor are the best ways to ensure your peace of mind and the continued efficacy of your birth control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a very slight, gradual shift of the implant is considered normal. Daily activities and the natural movement of your arm can cause a minor change in its position, usually less than a centimeter.

A significant concern arises if the implant moves more than an inch from its insertion site or if you can no longer feel it at all. If this occurs, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you can't feel the implant, it's crucial to contact your doctor right away. They may use an X-ray or other imaging techniques to locate it and determine the next steps. You should also use a backup method of contraception until its presence is confirmed.

Migration to other parts of the body, such as the chest or pulmonary artery, is extremely rare but has been reported in cases of deep insertion. This is why proper placement by a trained professional is so important.

While minor shifts are possible with intense physical activity, significant migration is unlikely if the implant was inserted correctly. However, if you feel pain or notice a major change in position after exercise, consult your doctor.

Yes, if the implant has migrated from its insertion site, locating and removing it can be more difficult and may require special surgical procedures. If removal is impossible, the hormonal effects may continue.

You should perform a regular self-check by feeling for the implant in your upper arm. This helps you get to know its normal position and notice any significant changes quickly. Checking monthly is a good practice.