When to Take a Pregnancy Test After Medical Abortion: Expert Advice

Pregnancy test questions?

Hello, doctor.
How long after a medical abortion will the pregnancy test results still show positive? If I took the second dose of RU486 on July 23 and then accidentally had the head of the penis touch the vaginal opening on August 10 without ejaculation, I am concerned and would like to know when would be the best time to take a pregnancy test so that it is not affected by the previous pregnancy? Additionally, due to the irregularity of my menstrual cycle after the medical abortion, I am worried that waiting for my next period to be delayed before testing might be too late, and I am unsure when to consider it delayed.
Thank you for your patience, doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the success rate of medical abortion is approximately 95%, while the failure rate is about 5%.
After taking the abortion medication, patients must return for follow-up within one to two weeks.
Clinical examination, β-HCG measurement, and ultrasound scanning are necessary to confirm whether the embryo has been completely expelled.
After that, it is advisable to perform a urine test around two weeks later to check for the decline of the hormone.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2020/08/20

More Info

After a medical abortion, it is essential to understand how long it takes for pregnancy hormones to clear from your system and when it is appropriate to take a pregnancy test. The medication used in medical abortions, such as RU486 (mifepristone), works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Following the administration of this medication, the body begins to expel the pregnancy tissue, and the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, will gradually decrease.

Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for hCG levels to return to zero after a medical abortion. The exact time frame varies from person to person, depending on factors such as how far along the pregnancy was and individual hormonal responses. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks after the abortion before taking a pregnancy test. This allows enough time for the hCG levels to drop significantly, providing a more accurate result.

In your case, since you took the second dose of RU486 on August 10, it would be advisable to wait until at least August 24 to take a pregnancy test. This timing should help ensure that any positive result is not due to residual hCG from the previous pregnancy. If you take the test and it is negative, but you still have concerns about your menstrual cycle or any symptoms, you may want to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Regarding your concern about irregular menstrual cycles post-abortion, it is common for periods to be irregular for a few cycles following a medical abortion. The body needs time to readjust to its normal hormonal levels, and this can lead to variations in cycle length and flow. If your period does not return within 6-8 weeks after the abortion, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider.

In summary, after a medical abortion, it is generally recommended to wait at least two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to ensure accurate results. If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or other symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help address any worries you may have about your reproductive health.

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