Hysterectomy after menopause

I am 53, not menstruated in over a year, but I had a subtotal hysterectomy. I am left with cervix and lower. It was done laparoscopically. I didn't see any blood after the surgery. I don't know however, if I bled during the surgery. If I did, can I assume it was from the trauma? Am I considered a niddah? Thanks for this great service. I would feel uncomfortable asking this question of my rabbi. Please advise. Chag sameach.

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

There is dispute among halachic authorities as to whether a hysterectomy renders a woman niddah. Since you are post-menopausal, and halachically considered a woman who does not menstruate, you may rely on the opinion that you do not need to immerse after the procedure. (Further, any spotting that occurs after a hysterectomy would not render a woman niddah since it is generally from the vaginal wall and is due to trauma.)

Please feel free to get back to us with any further 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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