In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Prolapse postpartum
September 27, 2018

Question

I had my 2nd baby 3 weeks ago and I’m pretty sure I have a uterine prolapse. I feel my cervix very low down, as well as a bulge on the lower vaginal wall. I’m scheduled to receive an IUD at 8 weeks postpartum and I’d like to go to the mikva before that because the rav said it may be hard to get clean post insertion. But how do I do a bedika with a prolapse?

Answer

Mazal tov on the birth of your baby!
If you think you have a prolapse, you should consult with your physician to see what the appropriate treatment is in your case. You do not have to wait until eight weeks postpartum for that consultation.
In theory, it should be possible to perform a bedikah with a prolapse. If you do it while lying on your back and go in gently and not too far, you should be able to perform the bedikah without necessarily touching an irritable part of the cervix.
However, we suggest that you see your physician first (you are likely still bleeding three weeks postpartum), so that he or she can better describe to you how far the prolapse reaches and advise you on this point. Please get back to us after your examination.
The physical effects of prolapse can add a new level of complication to recovery postpartum, which may present emotional challenges as well. Sometimes women benefit from pursuing short-term therapy alongside medical treatment.

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

Accessibility Toolbar

Welcome to Our New Site!

We’re still in the process of bringing over our full archive of Q&As. Stay with us as we continue to update all our content and features.
Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to share feedback or let us know if you’re looking for something specific.