Can a pregnancy test be positive after removed ectopic?

Yes, a pregnancy test can be positive after a removed ectopic pregnancy. It is important to understand the reasons for this result.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Ectopic pregnancy, like a normal pregnancy, leads to the production of hCG, the hormone responsible for positive pregnancy test results. After an ectopic pregnancy is terminated or removed through medical treatment or surgical intervention, the hCG levels in the body can take time to decrease and return to normal levels. This means that even after the ectopic pregnancy has been addressed, there may still be detectable levels of hCG in the body, resulting in a positive pregnancy test.

Timeframe for Negative Test: The time it takes for hCG levels to return to negative levels can vary from person to person. It typically takes several weeks, and in some cases, it can take up to several months before a pregnancy test will show a negative result after an ectopic pregnancy has been treated or removed. This is completely normal and does not necessarily indicate an ongoing pregnancy.

False-Positive Results: In rare cases, a pregnancy test may produce a false-positive result even after an ectopic pregnancy has been effectively removed. This can be caused by factors such as a chemical pregnancy that occurred before or around the time of the ectopic pregnancy, or interference from certain medications or medical conditions that can affect pregnancy test results.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider after a positive pregnancy test result following an ectopic pregnancy. They can help interpret the results, provide appropriate medical guidance, and confirm when it is safe to discontinue pregnancy tests and consider future pregnancy plans.