In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Ovulation on veset hachodesh?
03/06/2024

Question

My husband and I are trying for a baby.
I have pcos and very irregular cycles. My veset hachodesh is tomorrow night but Im pretty sure Ill be ovulating around then.
Is there any leniency to be able to be intimate in order to not miss ovulation?

Thanks!

Answer

Thank you for reaching out.
There are a few ways you can avoid missing ovulation in this case.
First, we follow the view that a woman with consistently long cycles (at least three consecutive intervals of 32 days or more) is exempt from observing yom hachodesh and onah beinonit, unless she reverts to a shorter cycle. So if your last three intervals were at least 32 days long, you do not need to observe yom hachodesh at all.
Otherwise, you do need to refrain from intercourse on the actual onah, from sunset until sunrise. However, intercourse is permitted before and after the onah. While there is a preference for relations to take place at night, they are permitted during the day if the room is darkened (as with heavy curtains or blinds). It does not need to be pitch black, just reasonably dark. It is definitely possible to conceive with relations shortly before and/or after ovulation.
Some couples observe additional onot as a stringency (e.g., the onah of the Or Zarua, which precedes the actual onah, or keeping onah beinonit for 24 hours). If you normally keep these additional onot, this cycle you may observe just basic minimum required onot in order to maximize your chance of conceiving.
Although we usually recommend trying to conceive for twelve months (or six months if you are over 35) before consulting with your doctor, when there are known factors such as PCOS, we recommend speaking to your doctor sooner. You also may be interested in scheduling a free consultation with a Yoetzet Halacha Fertility Counselor. See here for more information.
Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.
We wish you much hatzlacha and may you find yourself in a healthy pregnancy soon!

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