Faint Positive Pregnancy Test After Abortion: What Could It Mean?

Question
Hello
I really hope you can help I am worried sick. My normal monthly cycle is 31/32 days. My LMP was 4th June I had a termination on Tue 14th July (surgical). I then had the depo injection on Tue 21st July. I then had sex wth my partner on Sunday 26th July. I was told to do a pregnancy test 3 weeks after my termination. I have done 3 over 24 hours and all come up positive but extremel faint. I am worried sick. Could I be pregnant again? Or are there HCGs still floating round my body?

Help.....

Many thanks
Olive

Answer
Dear Olive,
You are absolutely fine.  If your pregnancy test is faint positive, it means the pregnancy is over, and the hormone just hasn't left your system.  I have seen it take up to 2 months to become completely negative, and there is nothing to worry about.  If you started depoprovera (or birth control pills or nuvaring for other readers) within one week of the termination of pregnancy, it is effective immediately.  Most doctors tell you to use a back up method to be safe, but it's really not necessary if you are taking the birth control correctly.  There is more information on this if you are interested on our website: earlyabortionoptions.com go to section on Making Your Decision - Aftercare/Aftercare FAQ's.  

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City