You can still test positive on a pregnancy test for longer than 2 weeks after an abortion, although it's important to take a pregnancy test 2 weeks after the procedure.
Understanding Post-Abortion Pregnancy Tests
After an abortion, it's common for women to wonder how long the pregnancy hormone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), remains in their system. This hormone is what pregnancy tests detect. The duration hCG remains detectable varies from person to person.
- hCG Levels Decline Gradually: After an abortion, hCG levels gradually decrease.
- Individual Variation: The rate at which hCG declines differs among individuals based on factors like:
- Gestational age at the time of the abortion.
- Individual metabolism.
- The type of abortion procedure performed.
Recommended Testing and Follow-Up
To ensure that the abortion was complete and to monitor your recovery, follow these guidelines:
- Home Pregnancy Test: Perform a highly sensitive pregnancy test approximately 2 weeks after the abortion.
- Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider: Even if the home test is negative, consult with your healthcare provider for a follow-up appointment.
- Persistent Positive Test: If the pregnancy test remains positive beyond 2 weeks, it does not always indicate an ongoing pregnancy. Retained tissue or other factors could cause this. Further evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after an abortion:
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Signs of infection
