Stains but no period after ablation
22 February, 2009
Question:I am in my forties and have had endometrial ablation. Because of this surgery, I have periods that are barely noticeable. I never use pads or a tampon there simply is no need. I may see some staining on my underwear, but not every month. On more than one occasion, however, I have found, while cleaning myself after intercourse, pink stains on the toilet paper or popup wipe that I use. That one pink stain was my only indication that I was having a period that month there was no other staining. I am as careful as possible to avoid intercourse on the days when I should, but I am distressed when this happens. I am also unsure as to whether I am officially niddah, since I noticed the stains in an “unofficial” circumstance.
Because I never have a period that involves full bleeding only staining, and because sometimes I don’t even see stains on my underwear, when am I niddah? I do feel like I have some sort of monthly “event,” but I am unsure as to how it qualifies.
Answer:Stains on toilet paper can make a woman niddah, depending in part on the circumstances in which they are found.
Stains found immediately after relations (i.e., within fifteen seconds) are treated stringently (and there is an independent halachic concern about bleeding that immediately follows relations). If the stains you have found were within that timeframe, please get back to us with details. It is to your advantage to be sure to wait a few minutes before cleaning yourself. Please see our page here for a more detailed discussion.
If you do not have a flow, and your staining is of the type that does not make a woman niddah, then you are not niddah. If you feel or suspect that you have staining, you may choose to abstain from relations until you think it is over. But this is not, strictly speaking, a halachic requirement.
We suggest you review our site’s pages on “Toilet Paper” and “Stains” for more information and contact us with any further questions.
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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