Post-Abortion Symptoms and Pregnancy Testing Concerns

Medication abortion issues

I would like to ask the doctor, my girlfriend inserted a vaginal suppository for abortion on October 9, and she experienced bleeding until October 18, which stopped.
However, she has not had her period by November 13.
We also had sexual intercourse without using a condom, but there was no ejaculation inside.
On November 10, she purchased a pregnancy test from Mentholatum, and the result showed a very faint line.
I read online that it is very possible to still test positive for HCG faintly within a month after a medical abortion.
On the evening of November 12, she also started experiencing dull pain in her lower abdomen.
Is it normal for her period to be delayed for such a long time? What does the pregnancy test result mean? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/13

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is possible that it has not completely dried yet.
I recommend following up with the original unit.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/11/13

More Info

After a medical abortion, it is common for women to experience a variety of symptoms and changes in their menstrual cycle. In your case, your girlfriend had a medical abortion on October 9, and the bleeding lasted until October 18. It is important to understand that after an abortion, it can take some time for the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state, including the normalization of menstrual cycles.

Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to regulate after an abortion. The absence of menstruation until November 13, which is about a month after the abortion, can be considered within the normal range. However, if there are concerns about the absence of menstruation or any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Regarding the pregnancy test results, it is indeed possible for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels to remain elevated for some time after a medical abortion. This is because it can take several weeks for hCG levels to return to zero after the termination of a pregnancy. A faint line on a pregnancy test can indicate the presence of hCG, but it does not necessarily confirm an ongoing pregnancy. In some cases, residual hCG from the previous pregnancy can lead to a positive or faintly positive test result, even after a successful abortion.

The abdominal pain you mentioned starting on November 12 could be due to various reasons, including hormonal changes, the body adjusting after the abortion, or even the onset of a new menstrual cycle. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as heavy bleeding, fever, or foul-smelling discharge), it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, the absence of menstruation for a month after a medical abortion can be normal, and the faint line on the pregnancy test may reflect residual hCG levels rather than a new pregnancy. It is essential to monitor any symptoms and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to rule out any complications. Regular follow-up appointments after an abortion are important to ensure that the body is healing properly and to address any concerns that may arise.

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