One month after the embryo was expelled through medication abortion, pregnancy test still shows positive.
Pregnancy refers to gestation, and medical abortion refers to terminating a pregnancy using medication. Generally, if a pregnancy test still shows positive one month after the embryo has been expelled following a medical abortion, it may be due to factors such as tissue retention, false-positive results, re-pregnancy, incomplete abortion, or testing errors. This can be managed through repeated testing, surgical procedures, or other methods. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Tissue Retention
Sometimes, medical abortion fails to completely remove embryonic tissue from the uterus. If part of the embryo or fetal tissue remains inside the uterus, it may cause pregnancy tests to continue showing positive results. Medical treatment, such as dilation and curettage (D&C), may be required to remove the retained tissue.
2. False-Positive Result
Some patients may experience false-positive results in the weeks following an abortion. This is because hormonal levels in the body undergo significant changes during the abortion process, which may interfere with the detection of pregnancy hormones and lead to a false-positive result. Patients can repeat the test to rule out this possibility.
3. Re-Pregnancy
After a medical abortion, the embryo should be expelled from the body within a short period, usually within hours to days. If a pregnancy test is positive one month later, it could be due to becoming pregnant again after failing to use contraception post-abortion. The patient should visit a hospital for an ultrasound examination; once pregnancy is confirmed, appropriate management should follow medical advice.
4. Incomplete Abortion
Medical abortion may fail to fully clear embryonic tissue from the uterus. The remaining tissue might be naturally expelled weeks or even months later, accompanied by bleeding similar to menstruation or a positive pregnancy test. Patients may need to undergo a curettage procedure under medical guidance to remove the residual tissue.
5. Testing Error
Pregnancy tests can also produce errors, especially in the early period following a medical abortion. Different tests vary in sensitivity to pregnancy hormones, and improper usage may lead to inaccurate results. Therefore, it is recommended to use reliable pregnancy tests for confirmation.
Patients should promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations and, once the cause is identified, cooperate with doctors for appropriate treatment.