Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Irritation from bedikot (yeast infection)

13 July, 2013
Question:

I have been battling recurring symptoms of yeast infection for a few months, probably due to strong antibiotics I took for UTIs.

After my last trip to the mikvah, it felt as if the symptoms returned after being together with my husband. After a few types of treatments and a period of abstaining, the problem seemed resolved.

However, I am now counting shivah neki'im and am starting to feel irritation again. I am wondering if bedikot could be causing the return of the burning feeling. When I asked the nurse she asked me if they were washed and suggested I use a "free" detergent that doesn't contain scents or dyes. Do you happen to know how bedikah cloths are treated or prewashed? Do I need to prewash them (again) myself? I use the "t-shirt material" type bedikah cloths but could switch if you recommended it. Should I do fewer bedikot? If so, just this month or in the future too?

Thanks for your guidance.


Answer:

We are sorry to hear of your recurring infections and the resulting irritation.

We are not certain how each type of bedikah cloth is treated.  But you should feel free to try to pre-wash cloths on the chance that that will reduce irritation.  You can also experiment with making your own cloths. Well-washed and soft cotton undershirts work well for this purpose.

Until your irritation abates, you should omit the moch dachuk and reduce the amount of bedikot performed to the hefsek taharah and one each on day one, day seven, and one intermediate day of the shivah neki'im.

Please write back with any further questions.  Refuah sheleimah!

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