When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Wait At Least 3 Weeks
You should wait at least 3 weeks (21 days) after taking the abortion pills before taking a pregnancy test to confirm the abortion was successful.
Why Wait 3 Weeks?
After a medication abortion, the pregnancy hormone (hCG) remains in your body for some time even after a successful abortion. Testing too early can give you a false positive result, causing unnecessary worry.
- •hCG levels typically drop by 80-98% within the first 1-2 weeks after medication abortion
- •Waiting 3 weeks ensures hCG levels have dropped enough for accurate test results
- •An 80% or greater decline in hCG within 7 days is a reliable indicator of successful abortion
Choosing the Right Pregnancy Test
Not Recommended
Standard Over-the-Counter Tests
Tests like Clearblue, First Response, and most drugstore brands are too sensitive for post-abortion use.
- •Detect very low hCG levels (as low as 10-25 mIU/mL)
- •Can show false positive for up to 2 months after abortion
- •May cause unnecessary anxiety
Roxy Clinic Recommendation
hCG Blood Tests
Quantitative blood tests that measure exact hCG levels are the most reliable way to confirm abortion success.
- Measure precise hCG levels in your blood
- Available online without a doctor's order
- Can take one test while waiting for pills, another after abortion
- Compare results to see hCG decline
About Low-Sensitivity Urine Tests
While low-sensitivity pregnancy tests (like those used in the UK and other countries) are designed specifically for post-abortion confirmation, they are not commercially available in the United States.
Instead, Roxy Clinic recommends using quantitative hCG blood tests, which provide accurate, measurable results and can be ordered online without a doctor's prescription.
Benefits of Blood Tests:
- •Get a baseline hCG level while waiting for your pills to arrive
- •Take a follow-up test 2-3 weeks after completing the abortion
- •Compare the two results to confirm hCG has dropped significantly (80%+ decline)
- •No need for a doctor's appointment or insurance
- •Results typically available within 24-48 hours
Understanding hCG Levels
What is hCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in your urine or blood.
After a medication abortion, hCG levels gradually decrease as your body returns to its non-pregnant state. However, this process takes time.
Week 1-2
hCG drops by 80-98%. Most significant decrease happens during this time.
Week 3
Best time to test. hCG should be low enough for accurate results with low-sensitivity tests.
Week 4-8
Residual hCG continues to decline. Standard sensitive tests may still show false positives.
Interpreting Your Results
Negative Result (With Low-Sensitivity Test)
A negative result at 3 weeks using a low-sensitivity test indicates the abortion was successful. Your hCG levels have returned to non-pregnant levels.
What this means:
- The medication abortion was successful
- The pregnancy has ended
- No further medical intervention is needed
Positive Result (With Low-Sensitivity Test)
A positive result at 3 weeks with a low-sensitivity test (detecting hCG above 1000 mIU/mL) may indicate the abortion was not complete or there's an ongoing pregnancy.
What to do:
- Contact your healthcare provider or abortion care provider immediately
- You may need additional medication or follow-up care
- Do not wait - prompt follow-up is important
Additional Confirmation Methods
Beyond pregnancy tests, other signs that indicate a successful abortion include:
- Pregnancy symptoms resolved: Nausea, breast tenderness, and other pregnancy symptoms have disappeared
- Bleeding pattern: You experienced significant bleeding and cramping after taking the pills
- Return of normal cycle: Your next period arrives (typically within 4-8 weeks)
When to Contact Your Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- Positive pregnancy test at 3 weeks using a low-sensitivity test
- Continuing pregnancy symptoms after 3 weeks
- Very light or no bleeding after taking the abortion pills
- Uncertainty about whether the abortion was successful
- Any concerns about your recovery
Need More Information?
Learn more about medication abortion symptoms, the process, and available support resources.