Thank you for reaching out to us.

If you simply felt external discharge, then the rules of stains (ketamim) apply, and the stains on your colored underwear would not render you niddah. (If you felt an internal feeling of a blood flow, then it may be considered a halachic hargashah, sensation, and the leniencies would not apply. This is rare; see more information here.)

However, the leniencies of ketamim apply only to light staining, not to an actual flow of blood.

In your situation, if you are able to wear just regular colored underwear (not period underwear), or if a single light disposable pantyliner provides adequate protection for the whole day, then that would not be considered a flow and you can continue to rely on the leniencies of stains and toilet paper, and avoid becoming niddah.

If your bleeding is heavier than that, it is considered a flow and you would become niddah.

Most women do experience an actual flow and become niddah during their period. However, there are circumstances where a woman experiences extremely light periods. In this case, when the bleeding is so light as to be considered staining rather than a flow, she may rely on the leniencies of stains to avoid becoming niddah. These leniencies are built into the halacha; women are encouraged to rely on them, and they are not considered “cheating.”

Even if you do not become niddah, we advise refraining from actual intercourse until about 24 hours after the staining subsides. No other restrictions apply. This is a voluntary precaution against a flow beginning during relations (learn more here), and also gives you time to evaluate the situation and determine whether the staining will develop into a flow.

If you have not yet become niddah when you reach your onah, you will need to do a bedikah on your onah.

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

This response was updated 26 October, 2025.