Reducing to 4-day minimum - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Reducing to 4-day minimum

November 15, 2015

Question

My husband and I are trying to conceive. I had some light some light bleeding for 2 days, on the 3rd day some very light spotting, and on the 4th day nothing. Do I still have to count 5 days then 7 clean days, which would have me going to the mikvah on a Friday night, which will be a bit challenging? Or can I count 4 then 7? When I asked a few years ago in regard to conceiving my 1st son, I was given a 4 day minimum then 7 clean days and was wondering if I would be able to do it this time? Thank you!

Answer

If you are Sefardi, you may rely on the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch which permits a four day minimum before counting the seven clean days.

If you are Ashkenazi, the five day minimum may not be reduced to four days except under extenuating circumstances. For example, if you consistently ovulate on day 11 (as confirmed by ovulation kits, etc.) and you are trying to conceive, there is room to permit reducing the five day minimum to four days. If the only concern is that it is challenging to immerse on Friday night, unfortunately that is not sufficient cause to permit reducing the minimum days.

We may have useful tips or advice to help make a Friday night immersion easier, so feel free to get back to us with more details.

B'Hatzlacha!