Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Speculum Examination


A speculum is a metal or plastic instrument consisting of two rounded arms on a hinge. It is placed inside the vaginal canal and the arms are then opened, allowing the doctor to see the mouth of the cervix (the opening of the uterus).

Because the speculum does not enter the cervical canal, most authorities rule that it does not make a woman niddah due to opening of the uterus.

A speculum examination does not usually cause any bleeding. If a small amount of blood is found on the speculum, it may be attributed to abrasion of the walls of the vagina – especially if the woman’s vaginal lining is sensitive or if the examination was performed without lubrication. (Gynecological examinations are often done with lubricating jelly; however, for a Pap smear only water is used, because the jelly can interfere with test results.) Such bleeding is non-uterine and does not make a woman niddah.

One does not need to ask the physician if blood is seen exiting the cervix. If, however, the physician does report blood exiting the cervix, the woman is typically considered niddah. A halachic authority should be consulted with any questions.


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All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.


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