My contraceptive implant expired 2 years ago

[Lanzarotelady]

I am normally so hot on these things, I went to get it changed tonight, the Nurse couldn't do it as it was out of date by 2 years!
I have been having unprotected sex for 2 years.
I feel sick.
I am 52, so it expired when I was 50, but even so, I feel sick.

Mine expired in May 2023. I should probably do something about it at some point soon…

No I don't get periods with it, not had one for 15 years, but about a month ago I had a really heavy one, lasted for about 5 days,

Apologies for the appalling English. I was typing in a rush as I as a little stressed by the situation ...... point taken that next time I am stressed I will ensure my sentences are constructed correctly,

Do you use Google calendar or any reminder system? Anything like that I immediately put a reminder on my calendar, even if it's 3 years away, so I don't forget!

If google goes down, I'm screwed on all aspects of life admin!

I find it incredible that doctors don’t remind you when it is due for replacement (I know they don’t, as I have one!).

What’s more ridiculous @guinnessguzzler is that my current one isn’t even listed in the NHS app, the little card the nurse gave me when she changed it is all I have (or rather, all I had!) to tell me when it needs to be replaced! Thankfully it doesn’t really matter due to my age, but it should be better.

You acknowledge it’s an overreaction on your part, which is fair enough.

The main point now is that you’re not pregnant and you are in control of the situation.
Maybe stop thinking about the “ what-ifs” as it’s clearly stressing you out.

As already mentioned they don't expire at that point it's just the length of time they have been approved for licence to be effective for.

My coil was due for a change in April 2020 and of course they were a bit busy at the time but it was explained to me they were just changing the licencing to extend the term and it would still be effective for another year.

It was last night, I am a little more stoical this morning.

I have been pregnant 7 times, 5 losses, 2 babies, so getting pregnant has been relatively easy, that is why I have always been so on the ball ( so to speak ) and was shocked at my own stupidity.

I think as it is classed as sexual health and normally managed by a separate department - ran adjacently due to the confidential nature - it isn't linked to your GP or NHS app - that is the only thing I can think of - doesn't make it right.

That doesn't make sense to me, she could have replaced the implant and told you to use extra precautions for 7days, and do a pregnancy test 3weeks after the unprotected sex.
The sex-in-the-last-7-days is more relevant for coils.

@Lanzarotelady but my previous coil is shown in the NHS app, so it doesn’t make sense that this one isn’t.

Well she wouldn't/couldn't do it and I have another appointment in 2 weeks

I don't know - I was only surmising

Please explain why you felt the need to post this. It’s nasty and contributes nothing to the thread. Does being horrible to strangers on the internet make you feel good about yourself?

I wonder if you’ll be embarrassed if you read your post back later. What an unnecessarily unkind and rude contribution. Completely bizarre, to be honest.

I have friends who have a wonderful 3 year old because of this exact situation 😅

Not helpful haha ( dare I ask how old were they )

are you talking about subdermal implant? The one that goes in your arm? They are effective for much longer than the 3 years they are licensed for. This study shows just as effective up to 5 years and stands to reason it would be effective for longer too and not just suddenly become ineffective

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5088635/

Just schedule removal when you can but there is no reason to panic

Phew thank you.
I am a little calmer this morning haha. Slightly hysterical last night haha.

I realised my implant was 2 years out of date 10 years ago. If my body hasn’t absorbed it, then it’s still rattling around in my arm

Some posters here are confusing coils with subdermal implants.

Some coils are protective for 5-10 years, depending which type.

Implants are licensed for 3 years and whilst we know they probably are effective for much longer we can’t assume so, so would aim to replace at the 3 year mark.

Whilst many practices do have a recall system, it’s not infallible - women move, have them inserted or removed elsewhere, admin processes do lead to missed recalls. I find it alarming that many women who have posted here think the onus is on the GP surgery to remind them when the change is due. It’s your body, your fertility, your health! Take some responsibility for yourselves!