Final answer:
After an abortion, it can take a few weeks for hCG levels to become undetectable by a pregnancy test. The exact clearance time may vary and is closely tied to individual health factors. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for a precise timeline.
Step-by-step explanation:
After an abortion, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the blood begin to decline. As hCG is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum, which produces key pregnancy-supporting hormones, its levels are scrutinized to monitor the end of pregnancy. Normally, hCG is excreted into the maternal bloodstream and subsequently in the urine, making it detectable by pregnancy tests. Once a pregnancy has ended through abortion, hCG levels will fall, though the exact time it takes to clear entirely can vary. Generally, it may take a few weeks for hCG levels to become undetectable by a pregnancy test.
For a more exact timeline, it is essential to consider individual health factors and consult with a healthcare provider. In some cases, elevated hCG levels may persist and do not necessarily indicate a problem, such as the presence of a tumor, but rather a slower clearance rate from the body. It's important to also understand that hCG might be administered after retrieval in fertility treatments to support progesterone production, which can affect the overall levels of hCG.