Miscarriage: What If You Were Never Pregnant?

Q: Miscarriage: What If You Were Never Pregnant?

Hello： The sensitivity of pregnancy test strips available in the market is quite high, and the chances of false results are low. <br>Ultrasound findings and the observation of tissue scraped from the uterus can also provide evidence of pregnancy. <br>Signed, Hsinchu Hospital, Dep

If it is indeed a misunderstanding, what should be done?

Dear Doctor,
I had my last menstrual period on January 11.
On February 10, I experienced spotting, which I initially thought was my period, but the spotting continued daily in small amounts.
On February 13, I purchased a home pregnancy test, which showed two lines indicating pregnancy, but I continued to have light spotting.
On February 15, I visited a doctor who did not perform another pregnancy test but diagnosed me with a "threatened miscarriage" and administered a progesterone injection.
However, the spotting persisted.

On February 18, the bleeding increased, and the doctor performed a pregnancy test, which indicated that I was no longer pregnant, suggesting that if I had been pregnant, it had resulted in a miscarriage.
On February 19, another doctor performed a surgical procedure to clear remaining tissue from my uterus.
As of February 21, I have stopped bleeding and only have minimal spotting.
I would like to ask:
1.
If I was never actually pregnant and did not have a miscarriage, but mistakenly believed I had a miscarriage and underwent a surgical procedure for incomplete miscarriage, what should I do? Will this significantly affect my future fertility?
2.
Did I actually have a pregnancy, or could there have been an issue with the initial pregnancy test? If I truly was not pregnant, why did I experience so many days of continuous spotting? I am concerned about the possibility of a false positive pregnancy test.
Thank you.

soleil, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/21

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: The sensitivity of pregnancy test strips available in the market is quite high, and the chances of false results are low.
Ultrasound findings and the observation of tissue scraped from the uterus can also provide evidence of pregnancy.
Signed, Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reply Date: 2005/02/21

More Info

Dear patient,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your recent experiences with potential pregnancy and miscarriage. Your situation raises several important questions about the nature of early pregnancy, the possibility of miscarriage, and the implications for future fertility. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Understanding the Miscarriage and Its Implications: It is indeed possible to have a situation where a pregnancy is suspected, but the outcome is not as expected. In your case, the initial positive pregnancy test could indicate that there was a very early pregnancy, which may have ended in a biochemical pregnancy. This type of pregnancy is characterized by a positive pregnancy test due to the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the body, but it does not progress to a viable pregnancy. The subsequent bleeding you experienced could be a result of hormonal fluctuations or the body’s natural response to a non-viable pregnancy.
If you underwent a surgical procedure to clear the uterus (dilation and curettage, or D&C) based on the assumption of a miscarriage, and it turns out that you were never actually pregnant, this could lead to some concerns. However, a D&C is a common procedure that is generally safe and performed to prevent complications from retained tissue. While there can be risks associated with any surgical procedure, such as scarring or infection, most women recover well and do not experience long-term effects on their fertility.

2. Determining Pregnancy Status: The confusion regarding whether you were pregnant or not is understandable, especially given the conflicting results. Home pregnancy tests can sometimes yield false positives, particularly if they are taken too early or if there are issues with the test itself. However, the presence of bleeding, especially if it is consistent and prolonged, raises questions about the hormonal status and the potential for an early pregnancy.
The fact that you had a positive test followed by a negative one suggests that there may have been a transient rise in hCG, which could indicate a very early pregnancy that did not progress. It is also possible that the bleeding you experienced was related to other factors, such as hormonal imbalances or other gynecological issues.
In terms of future pregnancies, it is crucial to monitor your menstrual cycle and any unusual symptoms closely. If you continue to experience irregular bleeding or have concerns about your fertility, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to check hormone levels and possibly imaging studies to assess your reproductive organs.

In summary, while your experience has been distressing, it is essential to understand that many women go through similar situations, and the body can often recover well. If you have further concerns about your reproductive health or future pregnancies, please do not hesitate to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your medical history and current health status.

Wishing you the best of health and clarity in your journey ahead.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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