Whether or not you are in niddah depends on a number of factors. If your staining was unaccompanied by a hargashah and was either on colored underwear or clearly smaller than a gris (the size of a US dime), then you are not niddah. If it was on a white surface and is larger than a gris, then it should be taken to a rabbi for evaluation, since not all shades of brown make you niddah. Please see our article on staining for a detailed explanation of the concepts outlined here. Stains found on toilet paper also may render you niddah. See our article, "Toilet Paper", for more information.

If the staining did not render you niddah, you should wear dark underwear and avoid looking at toilet paper to prevent becoming niddah unnecessarily. It is also advisable to abstain from relations until you clarify that the staining has stopped. We typically recommend twenty-four hours.

Staining after going off the pill is normal as your body adjusts back to its natural hormonal environment. It typically can take two to three cycles to get back to normal. However, if you remain concerned, we suggest you consult your physician again.

If the staining did make you niddah – or if it later becomes a flow and makes you niddah – you will need to follow the usual procedure of waiting five days from the onset of niddah, counting seven clean days, and immersing in a mikveh.

Please do not hesitate to write back with any further questions.