In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Fibroids, unable to get to mikveh
May 12, 2009

Question

Hello,
My doctor has informed me (based on an ultrasound) that uterine fibroids are causing my irregular menstrual periods. I have not been able to go to the mikvah in nearly a year. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you.

Answer

We are sorry to hear of your situation.

At a time when you are not bleeding, or at least when the bleeding is not bright red, you should attempt a hefsek taharah. (The minimum wait does not apply when you have already been in niddah for a long time.) It can be helpful to soak in a bath beforehand, and/or to clean gently internally. You should omit the moch dachuk.

A hefsek taharah or a bedikah does not need to be completely clear. If you find a questionable color, it should be evaluated by a halachic authority. When asking the question, be sure to mention  your difficulties with irregular bleeding due to fibroids, as well as the length of time you have not been able to get to the mikveh. Brown the shade of coffee with milk or lighter, without any hint of red, is a permissible color that does not require a question.

During the seven clean days, you should do just one bedikah on day one, one bedikah on day seven, and preferably one on an intermediate day. You should wear white pantyliners during the clean days, and ignore any stains you find on them. (If you have bleeding strong enough that it cannot be contained by a single light pantyliner over the course of a full day, that would be considered a flow and would invalidate your clean days.)

We hope this helps you to get to mikveh. Once you are able to immerse, you should take precautions against becoming niddah from any subsequent staining by being careful to wear colored underwear and (if you follow Ashkenazi halachic rulings) to wait between urinating and wiping.

Please review our pages on stains and toilet paper for more advice on getting through the clean days and remaining tehorah afterwards.

We urge you to get treatment for the fibroids. Halachic concerns are significant factors in medical decision-making, and it is important to convey to your physician how this irregular bleeding is having a real impact on your life.  

There are a number of approaches to treating fibroids. Your course of treatment is best determined in consultation with your physician. For some women, medications can also be used to help reduce the amount of excessive bleeding or to regulate the cycle. Please ask your physician about this as well.

Refuah shleimah, and please get back to us with any further questions.

This response was updated on 28 May, 2026.
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