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Abortion/Pregnancy after abortion, pregnancy tests

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Expert: - 10/10/2009


Question
I had unprotected sex 3 weeks after my abortion and took a pregnancy test a week and a half later before ever receiving my first period. the result was positive but one line was very faint. Could i be pregnant that soon or could it be positive because of pregnancy hormones?

Answer
Dear Katy,
You are correct that urine pregnancy tests remain positive for weeks to months after an abortion, so it can be difficult to know whether you are pregnant again.  The good news is that a faint positive pregnancy test should mean that the pregnancy is over, and it would be unlikely that you are pregnant again.  The best way to know for sure is to check another pregnancy test, one week after you took the last one.  If it is the same or lighter, you are fine.  If it is darker, it could indicate a new pregnancy.  
There is more information on pregnancy tests after abortion at http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com  Go to the section on Making your Decision, and then Aftercare.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City

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Doctor Early Options

Expertise

We are a group of family doctors who provide abortion care for over a decade. We can answer any health or medical related questions about early abortion, including the aspiration procedure, the abortion pill (RU486), or surgical abortion. We run a practice called Early Options, located in New York City: http://www.EarlyAbortionOptions.com. The practice is dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. There are other family doctors around the United States who practice a similar approach to early abortion care: see http://www.EarlyAbortion.com. Please do not ask "private" questions so that other women can learn from your experience. Please tell me what country you are from so that we can better help you.

Experience

Experience in the area: We are all board certified family doctors who have special training in early abortion and reproductive health. Dr. Joan Fleischman is the founder of Early Options (earlyabortionoptions.com) dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. Organizations: National Abortion Federation American Association of Family Physicians

Education/Credentials
Dr. Joan Fleischman, Founder M.D., Harvard Medical School M.P.A., John F. Kennedy School of Government

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