In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Hefsek taharah before colposcopy
May 29, 2026

Question

Hi, I am on day 5 of my period and am not able to get a clean Hefsek today (Friday). I have a cervical examination on Monday (colposcopy). Should I wait to do a Hefsek until after the bleeding post procedure has stopped as I won’t be able to differentiate between cervical blood and problematic blood?

I know from my flow that the earliest I’d be able to get a clean hefsek would be Sunday or Monday. If I get a clean Hefsek and then bleed post procedure, will that make me start counting again anyway? Thanks!

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us.

In this case, we recommend doing a hefsek taharah on Sunday and then being sure to do a bedikah on Monday morning prior to the procedure. In this way, you will be firmly established as being within your seven clean days before you have bleeding from the colposcopy. You should then hold off on performing any further bedikot until Sunday (day seven). This will suffice for you to be able to immerse on time Sunday night.

Please check in with your physician about the expected duration of bleeding from the colposcopy. Bleeding consistent with their description will be considered dam makkah, blood from a wound, which does not disrupt the clean days. To further minimize any potential halachic concern, we would also recommend following the guidelines here on counting the clean days when there is staining.

Note that a hefsek taharah or bedikah does not need to be completely clear. Please see our discussion of evaluating bedikot here, and bring any questionable bedikot to a halachic authority for evaluation.

We hope all goes smoothly!

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
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