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

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Gynefix insertion

9 January, 2016

Question:

Does insertion of the gynefix IUD render me niddah? I have not yet had it inserted.

Thank you in advance.


Answer:

Whether IUD insertion itself renders a woman niddah is subject to halachic debate. Our site’s position is that the standard procedure, which is carried out with a very narrow instrument, does not render a woman niddah.

Bleeding immediately following IUD insertion is considered blood from a wound (dam makkah) and does not render a woman niddah. With any IUD, the insertion procedure is likely to cause trauma to the cervix. The Gynefix is embedded in the uterine wall, so its insertion can also cause uterine bleeding due to trauma.

We follow the position that bleeding that continues for longer than a day or two, or that begins more than a day after the procedure, cannot automatically be considered dam makkah. The concern is that uterine bleeding not directly attributable to Gynefix insertion may have another source. This concern is stronger at a time of month when a woman expects to menstruate (her veset days).

After IUD insertion, the leniencies of stains do apply. So we recommend reviewing the laws of stains (as by reading our site’s articles on “Stains” and “Toilet Paper“) beforehand.  Within a day or two of Gynefix insertion, you may treat bleeding as insertion bleeding (dam makkah) that does not make you niddah.  Afterwards, careful observance of the laws of stains should help head off any further questions.

Please write back with any follow up 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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