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

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Endometrial biopsy

14 April, 2006

Question:

I had to have an unexpected endometrial biopsy today coupled with the removal of an IUD. I have been bleeding more than the size of a dime as a direct result of the procedures. I have also been told not to have intercourse for 3 weeks. 1. Does the bleeding render me niddah? 2. If it does, do I have to wait for mikveh until I have permission to resume marital relations? Thank you.


Answer:

Uterine bleeding almost always results from an endometrial biopsy. Since this bleeding is caused by injury, the opinion of the posek of this site, R Yehuda Henkin, is that it does not render the woman niddah.  The bleeding may go on for about a week, and for that time can be attributed to the procedure.   Other authorities are less comfortable permitting bleeding that comes from the uterus, even if a clear source of injury is seen. Therefore, it would be best to ask a specific psak of your rabbi, if you have one. 

For all procedures that enter the uterus, the size of the instrument that enters is also important. Instruments larger than a certain size render a woman niddah even if there is no bleeding. Opinions as to this size vary – R Henkin rules that an instrument with a diameter of 19mm or more would make a woman niddah.  The catheter used for an endometrial biopsy is usually rather small, but you should double check with your physician as to what the actual size was. An IUD is smaller.  Once again, if you have your own rabbi it would be best to ask a specific question.

A woman is not usually rendered niddah by removal of an IUD.

A woman may immerse for the purpose of physical closeness, even when relations are ruled out.

We wish you a refuah sheleimah!


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