Pink found on NuvaRing - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

Home / Q&A / Bedikot, Hefsek Taharah, Hormonal Contraception, Moch Dachuk, Seven Clean Days / Pink found on NuvaRing

Pink found on NuvaRing

July 7, 2013

Question

I have been using the NuvaRing for a few months with no problems. Yesterday I did a hefsek tahara which was totally clear. I did not do a moch because it's really uncomfortable, but how do you suggest that be done anyway with the ring in place? When I took out the ring to do a bedika this morning, there was pinkish mucus on the ring. I did the bedikah anyway which had maybe a hint of pinkish hue but not like what was on the ring. Does the finding on the ring negate the previous day's hefsek?

Answer

Ideally, the ring should be removed for the hefsek taharah, one bedikah each on days one and seven, and for immersion. You can leave the ring out for the moch dachuk, which should make insertion more comfortable. Removing the ring for less than three hours should not reduce its effectiveness.

Findings on a NuvaRing are treated like those on a bedikah cloth, so they can indeed invalidate a hefsek taharah performed beforehand, depending on their hue. That would seem to be what happened in your case (unless there was more of a question about the hue and poor lighting). We suggest you bring the pinkish bedikah to a rav for evaluation, since it may retroactively be considered a new hefsek taharah. Be sure to mention what you found on the ring for context.