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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Will having an expired Implanon harm me?

    I was supposed to have my implant removed last year around this time (May), meaning it's been expired for a year and is still hanging out in my arm (I can feel it, it hasn't gone anywhere). I was dropped off of my mother's insurance and am not eligible for Medicaid, so I was quoted a whopping $466 dollar removal fee. I work at a Jack in the Box, so needless to say, I don't have that kind of money just lying around. Are there any harmful side effects for leaving an implant in for too long? Like toxic shock, infertility, etc. I've researched this a lot and haven't really had any helpful results. I am not trying to conceive or anything, but I am worried this could affect fertility in the future, or be affecting my health now. I am having my periods regularly, though I was quite irregular beforehand. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I thought I should include that just in case. Thanks!
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    Thanks

    Dr George Finikiotis

    Gynaecologist

    Dr Finikiotis is a gynaecologist but will see early pregnancy patients until the 3 rd Month. View Profile

    Doctors are taught to use " Evidence Based Medicine" to provide the safest management plans. The manufacturers recommendations to remove the Implanon after 3 yrs is because this is the longest they can prove safety. Even though most of us have had many patients who have left the implanon in situ past the expired date  without harm, this is not a reason for complacency. If you cannot find scientific  trials confirming that an implanon rod does not cause your concerns of  toxic  shock or infertility, then it is possible it could, no matter how it appears unlikely. Furthermore, if a complication does arise , there may be issues with claiming from your health fund if you did not follow recommended protocols.

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