Asking about stained hefsek
Generally, I am unable to get a completely clean hefsek until day 7 of my period. It may be that if I tried on the 5th or 6th day I would be told it's ok if I asked a rav, but I'm not interested in running to the rav every month with a shaila. This does not affect my fertility, as my cycles are usually 30–35 days long. Am I doing something wrong by not asking a shaila on a stained hefsek every month?
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your question.
Ideally, one does not delay immersing beyond the dictates of halakhah. Additionally, those one or two days a month can really add up over time. We suggest that you make a commitment to trying an earlier hefsek and bringing questions to a rav over the next few months. Many women have colors that recur from cycle to cycle. Therefore, in addition to asking for the rav's evaluation, ask if the color you are bringing is one you are permitted to assess for yourself. In this way, you may learn enough to be able to shorten your time spent in niddah without constantly having questions. Enlisting your husband's assistance may also alleviate the difficulties involved in asking many questions.
On another note, you may wish to try soaking in a bath or, doctor permitting, douching prior to an earlier hefsek taharah attempt. Either of these measures may help clean out old blood and get you to the mikveh sooner or with fewer questions.
This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.
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