Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 2/26/2010

Question
I had a medical abortion on Feb 7th( the day i took my second set of pills). I had a the typical symptoms listed and went for my follow up appointment.At that appointment they did an ultra sounds and said everything looked great and i was back to normal.It has been more than three weeks now and I am still having a positive pregnancy test. I did have unprotected sex when I was finished bleeding and feel like I may be pregnant again. How soon after having a medical abortion should a home pregnancy test come back negative? Mine is coming back positive almost immediately and not a faint line but a strong line. I have a pretty sensitive system and knew almost right away before.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
About 10 days after your abortion there is an ovulation. So from feb 17 there is a chance to become pregnant again.
I think the docs told you  to put nothing in your vagina the first three weeks after the abortion (sex included) as the communication with the inside of your uterus withe the outside world is still open and  infection is possible.
You do not mention the date of the unprotected sex. So I cannot see if the chance of a new pregnancy is there.
(Why unprotected ?)
Pregnancy hormones leave he blood slowly after an abortion but at three/ four weeks the pregtest should become negative.
Cross your fingers !
I am sorry I cannot help you much.
Dr Shan