Can incomplete miscarriage be diagnosed by HCG?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, whether an incomplete abortion can be diagnosed by HCG levels mainly depends on the type of residual tissue. If the residual tissue includes chorionic tissue capable of secreting HCG, then HCG testing can be used for diagnosis. However, if the remaining tissue is decidual tissue that does not produce HCG, HCG testing may not be effective in diagnosing an incomplete abortion.

Generally, whether incomplete abortion can be diagnosed by HCG testing mainly depends on the type of residual tissue. If the residual tissue includes chorionic tissue capable of secreting HCG, then HCG testing can be used for diagnosis; however, if the residual tissue is decidual tissue that does not produce HCG, HCG testing may not be effective in diagnosing incomplete abortion. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Incomplete abortion refers to a condition during pregnancy in which part of the embryonic tissue has been expelled from the body, but some remains inside the uterine cavity or is lodged at the cervical opening, failing to be completely expelled naturally. After an incomplete abortion, if chorionic tissue remains in the uterus, this residual tissue will continue to secrete HCG. Therefore, measuring HCG levels in the blood can assist in determining whether an incomplete abortion has occurred. If HCG levels remain persistently high or decline slowly, it may indicate the presence of residual tissue, thus supporting the diagnosis of incomplete abortion.

However, if the residual tissue is decidual rather than chorionic tissue, HCG testing may not accurately reflect the status of the abortion since decidual tissue does not produce HCG. In such cases, even with an incomplete abortion, HCG levels may be normal or low, making diagnosis difficult.

It is recommended to choose a qualified medical facility for abortion procedures to ensure that the operation is performed properly and safely, thereby reducing the risk of incomplete abortion. Additionally, after an abortion, it is important to follow the doctor's advice regarding appropriate rest and recovery, avoiding excessive fatigue and strenuous activity.

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Which is better: medical abortion or painless abortion?

Medical abortion and painless surgical abortion each have their own advantages, and it is not possible to determine which one is better. Medical abortion is suitable for pregnancies within 49 days and can avoid surgical trauma, but there is a risk of incomplete abortion. Painless surgical abortion is suitable for pregnancies within 10 weeks, with high success rates and quick recovery. However, if the patient is allergic to anesthetics, postoperative anesthesia reactions may occur, causing discomfort.

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How to manage incomplete abortion after induced abortion

Incomplete abortion may be caused by factors such as an excessively large gestational sac, improper surgical procedure, cervical inflammation, cervical or intrauterine adhesions, uterine malformation, etc. To prevent postoperative complications of abortion, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene, keep a regular作息 (daily routine), avoid excessive fatigue, and undergo regular gynecological examinations to promptly identify and address potential health issues.

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Is the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure after a miscarriage painful?

In general, a post-abortion curettage procedure is associated with some degree of pain. Curettage is a surgical procedure in which the uterine lining or contents of the uterine cavity are scraped to remove residual tissue remaining in the uterus following an incomplete abortion. During this process, the physical stimulation caused by directly contacting and scraping the endometrium with medical instruments may lead to pain.

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What should I do if there is still residue one month after a miscarriage?

In general, "ren liu" (人流) refers to an induced abortion. The presence of residual tissue one month after the procedure may be related to factors such as uterine atony (poor uterine contraction), incomplete abortion, endometritis, intrauterine adhesions, or uterine malformations. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and, under the guidance of a qualified physician, treatment may include medications such as azithromycin dispersible tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, or cefradine capsules.