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

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Is a light flow on Mirena a period?

28 December, 2016
Question:

I’m in my 4th year on Mirena. Recently I started getting a dark brown flow/discharge for 4–5 days. It’s light enough for a pantyliner. Is this considered a period to render me niddah?

Thanks for your help in clarifying this issue.


Answer:

If the discharge is light enough that a pantyliner is sufficient to contain the bleeding through the day (as opposed to one that requires a pad or tampon) it is likely considered staining rather than a flow. This is true even if it continues for a few days. However, if you find that you need to change your pantyliner more than once per day because it is full (not merely because it is uncomfortable), or if you find your pantyliner is saturated, it is likely considered a flow that makes you niddah.

Please see our page on stains for additional discussion, and a video, on the topic of distinguishing between staining and a flow.

If your discharge is in the category of staining, you may take precautions against becoming niddah from this staining by continuing to wear pantyliners (or colored underwear) and waiting at least a few seconds (ideally 15 seconds) after urinating before wiping.

In this case, we also advise abstaining from intercourse until about 24 hours after the staining subsides so your status may be fully clarified. This is a precaution, not a halachic requirement.

Please note that if the staining becomes heavier (as described above), and is a niddah color, it will render you niddah. So too, if you find a stain larger than a gris (the size of a US dime or Israeli shekel) on your skin or on a white garment, it may render you niddah depending on its color.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

B’hatzlacha!

This response was updated on 18 February, 2024.

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