Concerns After RU486: Symptoms and Pregnancy Risks

Q: Concerns After RU486: Symptoms and Pregnancy Risks

Hello： Typically, after a miscarriage, the concentration of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in the blood gradually decreases. <br>Generally, after a miscarriage at 6 weeks of pregnancy, a pregnancy test will turn negative about three weeks later. <br>However, if there a

Will I win again?

Hello, I would like to ask about my girlfriend.
She started bleeding after taking RU486 on June 5, and the bleeding continued until June 14, but there was ongoing bleeding from June 20 to 24.
She had a follow-up appointment, and the doctor prescribed Ergolate tablets.
After taking the medication, she stopped bleeding on June 25, but on June 27, we had sexual intercourse with a condom.
Is there a chance she could be pregnant?
Then, on June 30 and July 1, my girlfriend experienced slight abdominal bloating and mild pain in her genital area.
What could this indicate? On the morning of July 2, she took a home pregnancy test, which was still positive.
What does this mean? In the evening of July 2, she had another follow-up appointment where the doctor confirmed only one line on the test and said that her uterus was clear, but when she tested at home again, it was still positive.
What could be happening?
Recently, she has also been experiencing increased bloating, burping, nausea, and diarrhea.
Is this normal?

Guo Lao, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/07

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Typically, after a miscarriage, the concentration of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in the blood gradually decreases.
Generally, after a miscarriage at 6 weeks of pregnancy, a pregnancy test will turn negative about three weeks later.
However, if there are retained chorionic tissues, it may take longer for the test to turn negative.
The timing of ovulation in the next cycle after a miscarriage depends on the rate at which β-hCG levels decline.
Usually, after a miscarriage at 6 weeks of pregnancy, the next ovulation occurs approximately four weeks later.
Based on the dates you provided, a positive pregnancy test may indicate that the previous pregnancy has not yet turned negative.
It is advisable to check the β-hCG levels through blood tests, taking 2-3 samples for comparison, to confirm whether the miscarriage was complete.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2016/07/07

More Info

After taking RU486, it is common for individuals to experience a range of symptoms, including bleeding, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal issues. Your girlfriend's experience of bleeding from June 5 to June 14, followed by intermittent bleeding until June 24, aligns with the expected side effects of the medication, which is designed to induce a medical abortion. The bleeding can vary in duration and intensity, and it is essential to monitor these symptoms closely.

The use of Ergolate tablets, which are typically prescribed to manage symptoms such as cramping and discomfort, suggests that her healthcare provider is addressing her post-abortion symptoms. It is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions regarding medication and to attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the abortion process is complete and that there are no complications.

Regarding the sexual activity on June 27, if a condom was used correctly throughout the intercourse, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced, but it is not entirely eliminated. Condoms can occasionally fail due to breakage or slippage, so it is essential to consider this possibility. If your girlfriend has concerns about potential pregnancy, she may want to take a home pregnancy test a few weeks after the incident or consult her healthcare provider for further evaluation.

The abdominal bloating and mild pain she is experiencing could be related to several factors, including hormonal changes following the abortion, gastrointestinal disturbances, or even anxiety about her health. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea after undergoing a medical abortion, as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes and the physical process of expelling the pregnancy.

The persistent positive pregnancy test result on July 2 could be due to residual hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in her system following the abortion. It can take several weeks for hCG levels to return to zero after a medical abortion, which is why follow-up blood tests are often recommended to confirm that the abortion was complete. If the ultrasound indicated that everything was clear, it is likely that the positive test is a result of lingering hormones rather than a new pregnancy.

In summary, it is essential for your girlfriend to continue monitoring her symptoms and to maintain open communication with her healthcare provider. If she experiences severe pain, heavy bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms, she should seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if she has ongoing concerns about her reproductive health or potential future pregnancies, discussing these with her doctor can provide clarity and reassurance. It is vital to prioritize her health and well-being during this time, as the emotional and physical aspects of undergoing a medical abortion can be significant.

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