Can Menstrual Induction Shots Cause Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Does receiving a menstrual induction injection cause a previously implanted embryo to miscarry?


Is it possible to not detect a pregnancy during the first 1 to 2 months, even with ultrasound and urine tests? Then, suddenly, after 3 to 4 months, it shows up? If this happens, would administering a menstrual induction injection terminate the pregnancy? Please, I need a response from a doctor.
I have received several menstrual induction injections due to irregular periods, which has caused dissatisfaction from my mother-in-law, who believes I have aborted the baby.
The issue is that the test results truly indicated I was not pregnant.
I want to conceive quickly, so I opted for the injections to facilitate my next attempt.
The doctors have also stated that if I were pregnant, my period would not occur after the injection, so I went ahead with it.
My mother-in-law's accusations make me feel like I have killed my own child...
I am really suffering...

Jingrong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/02/25

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello! If you haven't had your period for 1-2 months and still can't detect pregnancy through tests or ultrasound, it's unlikely that you are pregnant.
Therefore, please rest assured that administering a menstrual induction injection will not terminate a pregnancy.
The component of the menstrual induction injection is progesterone, which has a menstrual-inducing effect on women who are not pregnant, and a pregnancy-supporting effect on those who are.
Please be assured that you haven't done anything wrong; relaxing is actually more conducive to becoming pregnant.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2004/02/25

More Info


The concerns surrounding menstrual induction shots and their potential impact on early pregnancy are valid and deserve careful consideration. To address your question directly: it is indeed possible for a woman to be pregnant in the early stages (1-2 months) and still receive negative results on urine tests or ultrasounds. This phenomenon can occur due to several factors, including the timing of ovulation, the sensitivity of the pregnancy tests used, and the quality of the ultrasound equipment or the experience of the technician.
In some cases, a woman may not produce enough human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — the hormone detected by pregnancy tests — to yield a positive result until several weeks into the pregnancy. This can lead to a situation where a woman believes she is not pregnant and may proceed with treatments like menstrual induction shots.
Regarding your specific concern about whether these shots could lead to a miscarriage if a pregnancy is indeed present: menstrual induction shots, often containing hormones like progesterone or estrogen, are designed to regulate the menstrual cycle and induce menstruation. If a woman is unknowingly pregnant when receiving these shots, there is a risk that the hormonal changes induced could affect the pregnancy. However, the extent of this risk can vary greatly depending on the timing and dosage of the hormones administered.

Research indicates that while hormonal treatments can sometimes lead to complications, many women have successfully carried pregnancies to term after receiving such treatments. The key factor is whether the hormone levels are appropriate for the stage of pregnancy. If the pregnancy is very early, the embryo may still be in the process of implantation, and the introduction of additional hormones could potentially disrupt this process.

It is also important to note that if a woman has been actively trying to conceive, the anxiety and emotional distress surrounding the possibility of having harmed a potential pregnancy can be overwhelming. It is crucial to communicate openly with healthcare providers about these concerns. They can provide reassurance and guidance based on individual circumstances.

If you find yourself in a situation where you have received menstrual induction shots and are concerned about a possible pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They may recommend a blood test to measure hCG levels, which can provide a more accurate indication of pregnancy than urine tests. Additionally, they can perform an ultrasound if necessary to assess the status of the pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a potential risk associated with menstrual induction shots if a woman is unknowingly pregnant, the actual impact can vary widely. It is essential to seek medical advice and support to navigate these complex emotions and health concerns. Remember, you are not alone in this, and healthcare providers are there to help you through your journey to motherhood.

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