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Abortion/Pregnancy, sex, nuvaring after abortion

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Expert: - 8/4/2009


Question
I had the medical abortion (RU486) on July 16th.  After returning a week later, it was confirmed that I had passed the pregnancy tissue.  I began the Nuvaring the 17th and was told that it would be fine as my only form of birth control if inserted within the first 5 days of bleeding. I had sex on the 23rd. I noticed today that I began to feel nauseated and my breasts were slightly tender.  Is this residual hormones or could I be pregnant again so soon?  I took 2 HPT's and both were positive but it's been just under 2 weeks since my procedure.  How could I know for certain if I am pregnant or if the tests just say yes?

Answer
Dear Heather,
From what you describe, you should not be pregnant.  As long as the Nuvaring was inserted within a week of the abortion, it should be effective immediately even if you had unprotected sex.  I would assume your symptoms are from starting the birth control and should get better.  Pregnancy tests can take up to a month to go back to being negative.
I have written about this at earlyabortionoptions.com (go to Making your decision, then aftercare and aftercare FAQ's).  You may find this helpful.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan

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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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