In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Can’t immerse after surgery
March 22, 2019

Question

I recently had surgery. I will not be able to immerse in water for about a month and therefore not be able to go to the mikvah. What if anything can I do to not be in niddah?

Answer

We hope you are well on your way to a refu’ah sheleimah!
A woman cannot exit the niddah status without immersing in a mikveh. The best course of action depends on your specific situation.
If you are not currently in niddah, please consult your physician about the possibility of using hormonal manipulation to delay your period as much as possible, so that you can avoid being niddah for an extended period of time.
If you are in niddah already, then please clarify the following with your physician:

When at earliest, could a single immersion, a few seconds in duration, be permitted? (In this case, even if you customarily dip more than once, it is fully permissible to dip only once. The bracha should be recited before the immersion.)
If it can be arranged for you to be the first to immerse in a given evening, and for the water to be changed/disinfected before your immersion, would that make a difference?
What, if any, precautions or adaptations would make it feasible for you to get to mikveh sooner?

 
Please get back to us with any follow up information.

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

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