Are My Positive Pregnancy Tests Indicative of a True Pregnancy or a Cyst?
Trigger Warning: Discussion of Miscarriage & Inquiry I am a 34-year-old female taking lamotrigine (300 mg), omeprazole (40 mg), Zepbound (5.0 mg), and a daily multivitamin. My current weight is 255 pounds, and I stand 5'7" tall. Over the past three years, I have experienced four miscarriages. Additionally, I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and recently have been told I have a small cyst, likely due to my condition. I'll attempt to keep this brief. My husband and I have endured four miscarriages to date. One of my healthcare providers mentioned that it’s possible to get positive pregnancy test results prior to menstruation, saying the days leading up to a period could account for such positives. This concept is new to me, as every visit to the emergency room during an early miscarriage confirmed both a pregnancy and the loss of that pregnancy. I find myself in a state of confusion because my husband and I were careful and used protection on February 1st, yet I continue to receive stronger positive results on pregnancy tests each day. Given the history of my miscarriages, I’m apprehensive about getting my hopes raised only to discover the positives could stem from another cause. We ensured that there were no issues with the protection used during intercourse, and everything seemed intact at that time. We're currently employing precautions to allow my body to heal from the previous losses. For further clarity, I have undergone evaluations for any malignant cysts, and the only finding was a small cyst attributed to my PCOS, as stated by the ER staff. Previously, I had a Corpus Luteum cyst detected last year according to medical assessments. My inquiry is: Are these positive results likely indicative of an actual pregnancy, or could they possibly be related to the cyst influenced by PCOS? Thank you in advance for your insights!
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 5:30:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious given your history and current situation. Positive pregnancy tests generally indicate the presence of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is usually produced only during a true pregnancy. However, there can be exceptions, and it's important to clarify your doubts regarding your recent results in context with your medical history and PCOS.
Understanding Positive Pregnancy Tests
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True Pregnancy vs. Cysts:
- A positive pregnancy test typically suggests you are pregnant, particularly if the results become stronger over several days. This is due to increasing levels of hCG in the body.
- The cysts associated with PCOS or other benign types, like the Corpus Luteum cyst, usually do not produce hCG and hence would not typically cause a positive pregnancy test.
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Early Pregnancy After Miscarriages:
- Many women experience anxiety about pregnancies after previous miscarriages. The presence of cysts does not inherently result in positive pregnancy tests.
Next Steps to Consider
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Confirm the Pregnancy:
- To ensure that the positive tests are indeed indicating pregnancy, consider scheduling a quantitative blood test (hCG test) with your healthcare provider. This test measures the exact level of hCG and can help confirm the viability of the pregnancy.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any physical symptoms you might be experiencing, such as cramping, bleeding, or other unusual signs. This information can be helpful for your medical team.
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Follow-Up Care:
- Given your history of miscarriages, regular follow-ups are crucial. If you are pregnant, your healthcare provider may want to monitor your hormone levels and perform ultrasounds to track the progression of the pregnancy.
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Stay Informed and Supported:
- Reach out to your healthcare provider about your concerns and the recent positive tests. They can provide guidance specific to your case, especially considering your previous experiences.
Emotional Support
Feeling confused and anxious in this situation is completely normal. Consider connecting with a support group for women who have experienced similar challenges, which can provide you with community support and shared experiences.
Overall, prioritize confirming the pregnancy with a healthcare provider. Your feelings are valid, and taking the right steps will help clarify your situation moving forward. Please ensure you have access to empathetic medical support as you navigate this process.
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