Bedikot with Nuvaring - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Bedikot with Nuvaring

February 15, 2005

Question

I have been using the Nuvaring for contraception. Every time I go to the mikveh, I take it out and then replace it after I have immersed.
I have also been taking it out each time I do a bedika during the prior seven days. Even though it is only out a minute or two each time, I am concerned that this may effect the efficacy of the Nuvaring if done repeatedly.
Do I need to take it out during each and every bedika, or is it small enough that I could do the bedikot with it in and it would still be kosher?

Answer

The ring is mobile and thus does not have to be removed for bedikot, so long as you can push it to the side and check thoroughly.

As the rules of the hefsek taharah are more stringent, we would suggest removing it for the hefsek taharah. Some authorities, including our halachic supervisor Rav Yehuda Henkin, also recommend removing the ring in order to perform one bedikah each on days one and seven of the shivah neki'im.

Removing the ring for a short period 2-4 times during the cycle (for hefsek taharah, two bedikot, and mikveh) should not impair its efficacy.