Can You Get Pregnant After Induction Abortion? Pregnancy Tests

Is pregnancy testing accurate after engaging in sexual intercourse following an induced labor?

On September 27, an abortion was performed at 13 weeks.
Sexual intercourse occurred on October 18 and October 21.
On October 25, a blood test was conducted at the clinic to check for pregnancy, and medication to induce menstruation was taken.
On October 26, there were still signs of pregnancy.
It is necessary to return to the outpatient clinic on October 28 for another blood test to see if the levels have increased.
Is it possible to be pregnant again, or could the previous abortion be causing the remaining hormone levels? If a blood test is scheduled for the 28th, will taking the medication to induce menstruation affect the hormone levels?

Wen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/26

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
From your description, the chances are slim.
2.
Since the levels of beta-HCG from the previous pregnancy are gradually decreasing, it is possible to still test positive, but we can check the values to confirm.
3.
Menstrual induction medications will not affect the levels.

Reply Date: 2022/10/26

More Info

After undergoing an induction abortion at 13 weeks, it is indeed possible to conceive again shortly after, provided that ovulation has resumed. The menstrual cycle can vary significantly after an abortion, and some women may ovulate as soon as two weeks post-procedure. Therefore, if you had unprotected sexual intercourse on October 18 and 21, there is a possibility of pregnancy if ovulation occurred around that time.

Regarding your blood tests on October 25 and the subsequent tests scheduled for October 28, it is essential to understand how pregnancy tests work. Pregnancy tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. After an abortion, it can take some time for hCG levels to return to zero. If you are still experiencing elevated hCG levels, it could be due to the remnants of the previous pregnancy rather than a new pregnancy.
Taking medications to induce menstruation, such as those you mentioned, typically does not increase hCG levels. Instead, these medications are designed to help your body shed the uterine lining and return to a non-pregnant state. However, if you are pregnant again, the hCG levels would rise as the pregnancy progresses.
It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for the blood test on October 28. This test will help determine whether your hCG levels are increasing, which would indicate a new pregnancy, or if they are decreasing, which would suggest that your body is returning to its baseline after the abortion. If the levels are still elevated but not rising, it may indicate retained products of conception or complications from the abortion, which would require further evaluation.

In summary, it is possible to conceive after an induction abortion, and the timing of your sexual activity relative to ovulation is critical in determining whether you are pregnant again. The blood tests will provide clarity on your hCG levels, helping to ascertain your current pregnancy status. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or severe pain, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

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