What Could Cause Faint Positive Pregnancy Tests That Don't Get Darker Over The Course Of A Month?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 Answered on

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : What could cause faint positive pregnancy tests that dont get darker over the course of a month? Last month I was late and had faint positives (i have a copper IUD) doctor diagnosed chemical pregnancy and prescribed Provera to induce my period. The tests went back negative. This month I was late and tested again. Faint positive. On over 20 different tests over the course of 4 weeks. Lines do not get darker and I have not had a period and negative blood work. What could cause this?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Blood beta hCG levels

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

If the urine pregnancy test is observed more than 5 minutes after putting urine into the kit, then it may show very faint positive.
If the blood beta hCG levels are negative, then there are absolutely no chances of pregnancy.
I will suggest you to get a blood beta hCG levels.
If negative, then is nothing to worry.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (40 minutes later)

the last beta was 1. however I have not gotten a period and keep getting positive tests. if it was just the tests I would say OK. but with the lack of a period and the tests I'm concerned more is going on. I understand that i am more than likely not pregnant. I do have a non hormonal IUD. I'm just wondering if there is anything that can cause positive pregnancy tests (read within the time frame) with lack of period, other than pregnancy.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ovarian tumors can cause increased beta hCG levels

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Positive urine tests can be due to beta hCG secreting ovarian tumors.
However, such tumors are visible in ultrasound examination.
If the blood beta hCG levels are less than 35, then the urine pregnancy test is unlikely to be positive.
I will suggest you to repeat the urine pregnancy test under the guidance of your doctor.

Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng