In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Long brownish stain on white underwear
May 29, 2024

Question

Hi,

I am counting my seven clean days.

My rav told me that if a stain on white underwear is smaller than a US penny (gris) and no shades of red, I dont have to bring it to him to check.

However, I found a stain and I am curious about how to measure a long thin stain. The stain is brownish (somewhat yellow), no red. It is in a location where I do not normally find a niddah-related flow or stain, it is further back, giving me reason to believe it is from another source.

How do I measure such stains? Is this something I need to bring to my rav? (I have an intense aversion to showing a male who is not my husband my underwear)

Thanks!

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us.

A narrow stain is measured in terms of its area, and in this respect can still be compared to the area of a US penny. Sometimes, this is done through estimation.

However, you may not need to estimate in this case. A light brown with no hint of a reddish tint (e.g., the color of coffee with milk or lighter) is not a niddah color. The stain that you describe seems to fit this description, which would mean that it did not invalidate your clean days, regardless of its size.

Additionally, if a woman is reasonably confident (e.g., based on color and position) that a stain can be attributed to fecal matter, she can disregard it with no need to ask a question.

For the future, Yoatzot Halacha who can assess stains and bedikot are available in an increasing number of communities, in Israel and worldwide.

We hope this helps. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
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