False positive on pregnancy test. What causes it?

 There are only a few rare things in this world that can generate a range of so many diverse emotions as compared to seeing those two pink lines on a pregnancy test kit. Whether a woman has been eagerly waiting for a positive pregnancy test result, or it is something that has caught her off guard, a positive result always brings along with it a lot of anxiety, joy, confusion, or all of the above! However, it is quite possible that these positive results might also be wrong in cases. Though such instances are rare, it is of utmost importance for a woman to know and understand the reasons behind a false positive test so as to refrain from a rollercoaster of emotions. A pregnancy test kit works by detecting the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the blood of the woman, which is produced during the onset of pregnancy. Hence, theoretically, if the test kit shows two pink lines, it indicates that the woman is pregnant. However, in some cases, hCG or something else that mimics it can be produced by the body even when the woman is not pregnant. This can result in a confusing and potentially heartbreaking false positive result. In this article, we will discuss in detail the false positive pregnancy test and what causes them.

1. User Error

It is one of the most common reasons for a false positive pregnancy test. Many of the home pregnancy test near me​ kits often boast of being 99 percent accurate in determining whether the woman is pregnant or not.  Hence, most of the users expect the results to be as accurate as they would have been if the tests were done ideally and the kit was used perfectly. However, in reality, the setting in which most of the users use these kits is of the ‘typical use’ category, hence, they can show false positive results. Some of these user errors include:

• Using an expired test kit
• Taking the test too soon after having sex
• Taking the test too soon after a previous pregnancy or abortion
• Removing the dipstick from the urine outside the recommended time period
• Checking test results outside the recommended time period
• Drinking water or other fluids before taking the test

2. Recent Pregnancy

The hCG hormone is produced by the body throughout pregnancy. This process is slow in the beginning, the hCG levels rise towards the third trimester of the pregnancy, and start declining after childbirth. However, even after the pregnancy, this hormone can be present inside the body for up to 60 days. This duration varies from person to person. The higher the hCG levels are during the pregnancy, the longer they will stay in the blood and the urine of the woman. Sometimes it might also indicate the presence of retained products of conception (RPOC), which need to be removed through treatments. Other symptoms of RPOC might include heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever and unusual discharge from the vagina. 

3. Molar Pregnancy 

A positive result in an early pregnancy test​ can be caused by a molar pregnancy, which is a condition in which a uterine tumor grows in size. Instead of a normal placenta and embryo, an abnormal tissue develops in the uterus. This can cause a cluster of cells or a mass of small, fluid-filled sacs to develop, which might require the intervention of a medical professional to remove them. In a complete molar pregnancy, there is no embryo or placenta present in the growth. During such a condition, the hCG levels of a woman might increase, resulting in a false positive pregnancy test.

4. Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.  Though such pregnancies often develop in the fallopian tubes,  they might also develop in the cervix, ovaries, or the abdominal cavity.  It is a medical emergency that requires treatment from an expert gynecologist. The symptoms of this condition include unusual vaginal bleeding, lower back pain or pain in the pelvic region, pressure on the rectum, mild discomfort or pain on one side of the pelvis. This condition can also cause a false positive pregnancy test result.

5. Medications

There are certain medications that might lead to a false positive pregnancy test. This happens because these medications can increase the levels of hormones in the blood and urine of the woman. Some of the fertility and weight loss medications might have synthetic hCG hormone, which might give rise to a false positive test. Drugs like Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Profasi, aspirin, carbamazepine, and methadone can potentially lead to such conditions.

If a woman has been trying to conceive, or has received a false positive pregnancy test that is concerning for them, they must make sure to visit their gynecologist in order to get a better understanding and idea of the condition based on their specific case and history.

If you are looking for the best pregnancy test for early detection​ or the best blood pregnancy test near me​, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the World’s Most Advanced technology and North India’s Most Trusted and Experienced Gynecologists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic care for all the ailments related to women’s health. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier family, starting with healthy women!