Is It Possible for a Woman to Test Positive on a Pregnancy Test After an Abortion?

Introduction

A pregnancy test can sometimes return a positive result even after a successful abortion, especially if the procedure was not entirely complete. This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and what actions a woman should take if she encounters a positive pregnancy test result after an abortion.

Types of Abortion Procedures

There are several different methods of abortion, but the two most common are medical abortion and surgical abortion. In the case of a medical abortion, the most commonly used methods are misoprostol alone (often up to 12 weeks) and a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol (effective up to 11 weeks). These methods are officially recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is important to note that there is no such thing as an abortion injection unless it refers to methotrexate, which is used in rare cases to dissolve an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus).

Ensuring Successful Abortion

Misoprostol alone has a 80-85% success rate up to 12 weeks, while a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol has a 95-98% success rate up to 11 weeks. Most women begin to experience a reduction in pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness and nausea within a few days post-abortion. However, it is crucial to confirm the success of the procedure.

After a medical abortion, women can often feel relieved that the procedure has been successful, but it is imperative to verify this through a pelvic ultrasound or a pregnancy test. Analysing the results of a pregnancy test too soon can lead to false negatives or missed positive results.

A urine pregnancy test may not be accurate for 2-3 weeks after the abortion, as the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) can persist in the body even after the embryo has been removed. This is due to the placental tissue which continues to produce hCG until all remnants are expelled. Even after a successful abortion, hCG levels can remain elevated for several weeks.

When a Positive Result Occurs Post-Abortion

If a woman tests positive on a pregnancy test several days after an abortion, it may suggest that the procedure was not entirely successful and that some placental tissue may still be present. This can be confirmed through a pelvic ultrasound, which can check for the presence of tissue in the uterine cavity. If the cavity is not empty, a curettage, or dilation and curettage (DC), may be necessary to remove the remaining tissue.

Conclusion

It is entirely possible for a woman to test positive on a pregnancy test after an abortion, and this can occur even when she is still bleeding due to the procedure. It is essential to seek medical guidance if a positive result is detected, as it could indicate an incomplete abortion and the need for further medical intervention.

For women who have had an abortion, it is highly recommended to follow up with their healthcare provider after the procedure to ensure complete and successful resolution of the pregnancy. This includes taking pregnancy tests to monitor hormone levels and undergoing necessary ultrasounds.

Keywords: abortion pregnancy test, post-abortion bleeding, hCG levels