Douching and minimum wait - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Douching and minimum wait

April 25, 2016

Question

We say that a lady must wait 5 days before counting the 7 clean days. However, recently I saw if the woman can expel the semen on day 1 (such as with douching), she can start counting the next day. In an extreme scenario (is husband is going to be traveling for a while) would this be permitted? I realize it may not be ideal, but would it be against halacha?

Answer

According to Ashkenazi practice, douching/cleaning out any semen does not permit the woman to begin the clean days right away. The 5-day minimum must be kept in all circumstances. The Rema speaks very harshly against those who break this practice.

According to Sephardi practice, in a case of need, Rav Ovadia Yosef does permit douching/cleaning out any semen with warm water in order to begin counting the seven clean days as soon as the bleeding stops, even without the 4-day minimum.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.