Dear WAKIKI,

Abortions are nearly 100 percent effective at ending a pregnancy. It's common to have a positive pregnancy test after an abortion and not be pregnant.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG). HCG is the hormone that supports pregnancy and starts being released when the fertilized egg implants itself and pregnancy begins. HCG can remain in the body for up to 60 days after an abortion. This can lead to pregnancy tests with false positive results.

Women who are concerned about the accuracy of pregnancy tests can go to their health care provider for testing. They can take a few pregnancy tests, a few days apart, and their health care provider will be able to tell if their levels of HCG are increasing or deceasing. Increasing levels would mean that the woman has a continuing pregnancy or a new pregnancy. Decreasing levels would mean that the woman is no longer pregnant.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.