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

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Bedridden and can’t use mikveh

25 January, 2016

Question:

I have a medical condition that makes me constantly dizzy and sometimes faint. Usually I can still go to the mikvah, even if it isn't always on the exact day I am supposed to, it all depends on how I feel. However, lately it has gotten so bad that I am always on the verge of fainting and am bedridden. I can't be in the shower, I've been using wash cloths, and I even need help to go to the bathroom. It is time to go to the mikvah now, but since I am physically not able, what do I do?


Answer:

If you are physically unable to go to the mikvah, unfortunately you will remain in niddah until you are able to immerse.

We do recommend completing all of the required bedikot of the seven clean days so that if you do have a good day which you are not bedridden, you may immerse that night. Once you have completed the seven clean days, you no longer need to wear white underwear or perform any bedikot.

We recommend speaking to the mikveh attendant about possibly having another woman accompany you into the mikveh itself, so that if G-d forbid you do get dizzy or are about to faint, someone will be with you to assist you. Furthermore, there are mikvaot which are designed to assist women with disabilities, including those who are always bedridden; if there is such a mikveh in your area they should be able to help you find a solution. You could also consult with an occupational therapist about possible strategies for immersion given your situation.

You might also want to discuss with your physician the use of hormones (assuming your medical condition permits this) to lengthen your cycles so that you menstruate – and thus need to use the mikveh – less frequently.

We wish you a refuah shleimah!


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