Rules of stains
18 May, 2005
Question:What are the rules on spotting?
Yesterday I had one spot. I thought I was getting my period but it did not come.
What do I do?
Thank you
Answer:A spot on colored underwear does not make you niddah. We do, however, suggest you refrain from relations for 24 hours after seeing a stain, in order to have a better idea of what is going on.
Stains found on white underwear are evaluated based on their size and color. A stain smaller than a circle 19 mm in diameter (about the size of an Israeli shekel or a US dime) is not problematic even if it is red. If the stain is larger than this, then it is judged by its color, which needs to be evaluated by a rabbi or halachic authority who is knowledgable in this area.
Stains on toilet paper are a more complicated issue.
We suggest you read our articles on stains for more general information, and please get back to us with more specific details about the specific stain you saw, as it may not be problematic at all. Please include where and when you noticed the stain, and – if you saw it on toilet paper – whether you waited at least 15 seconds between urination and wiping.
This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases. All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.
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