Menopause generally marks the end of regular mikveh immersion. The laws of taharat hamishpacha, which were an integral part of a marriage for years or decades, will no longer determine the rhythm of the couple’s relationship.
For some couples, especially those for whom hilchot niddah or the perimenopause years were emotionally challenging, this can be a pleasant development. However, the transition to life after mikveh can also create new stresses or conflicts. Every marriage is unique, and there are a wide variety of normal responses to this stage of life. As always, sensitivity and open communication can be very helpful in resolving any tension that develops.
Halachically Mandated Immersion
Even after menopause, there are some situations in which a woman is halachically required to perform a hefsek taharah, count shivah neki’im, prepare as usual for mikveh, and immerse with a bracha:
- If she has spotting or bleeding that makes her niddah. (For medical reasons, a woman should notify her health care provider if bleeding resumes after a year’s hiatus following menopause.)
- If she undergoes a gynecological procedure that makes her niddah (e.g., through cervical dilation)
- If she is getting married after menopause – even if she was previously married and hasn’t become niddah since her last immersion.
In addition, a married woman who was unaware of the laws of taharat hamishpacha, or did not observe them, is halachically considered niddah even if she has not menstruated for years. She still can – and still should – fulfill the halachic requirement of mikveh immersion at any age. Ideally, she should speak with a kallah teacher, mikveh lady, yoetzet halacha, or female mentor who can guide her through the process. If she is no longer menstruating, she will probably need to use the mikveh only once.
Voluntary Immersion
Some women specifically miss the experience of immersing in the mikveh. It is permissible for a married woman to use the mikveh even if she is not halachically obligated to do so. Thus, she may visit the mikveh voluntarily. If a woman was not niddah and is immersing voluntarily, she does not need to perform all of the preparations. She does not recite a bracha upon immersion, but may recite other prayers.
An especially appropriate time to visit the mikveh may be on erev Yom Kippur. In many communities, the custom to immerse on that day includes both single and married women, as well as men (one should check ahead of time about hours and arrangements). This immersion is for spiritual purification and is not halachically required. Therefore, one does not need to prepare and does not recite a bracha.
