Expert: Pat G - 12/4/2009

Question
I unfortunate got an abortion about a week ago. 5 days later I had unprotected sex with my friend.  I took an pregnancy test and It came up possible.  Is this real and am i really pregnant?  Please help me. Thank you.

Answer
Hello, Demetria,

Given the facts you have stated, these would be hormones left over from the pregnancy you aborted. It takes time for the hormones to return to a non-pregnant level. There is a slight chance the abortion didn't accomplish anything, as well. For example, if you had a pill abortion too soon or too late, this could be the case. You could test again in a week, and if you can tell whether or not the sign is weaker or stronger than it was when you tested, you might learn something, or you could go to someone to have a blood test a week apart. You could find someone who will do a pregnancy test for free (though perhaps not a blood test) by locating an organization in your area. Go here: http://www.pregnancycenters.org/ . It wouldn't hurt to be thoroughly checked by a doctor anyway, since abortion is dangerous and can cause all kinds of problems. This organization can refer you to someone you can trust. Don't go back to the person who provided the abortion.

Also, you wouldn't get a positive pregnancy test from sex that happened just a few days ago. But please, if you don't want another abortion, don't have sex with your friends! You deserve better. Don't count on "protection," either. It doesn't work. One of the purposes of sex is to make babies, so you're taking a risk every time you do it. You can also learn to tell when you are fertile. You have to chart faithfully, and you can't be using any hormones. For more information, go here:

http://www.fertilityuk.org/

So soon after an abortion, it is also highly unlike you would be fertile yet (though not impossible, since I was actually fertile while I was pregnant once.)

If you have any other questions, I'll be here for you. Please take care of yourself and stay safe.