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

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Mikveh after D & C

23 April, 2004
Question:

Shalom,
I started spotting on April 7th and started bleeding heavily on the 14th. Today is the 22nd and since my bleeding did not stop I went for a D & C.
How long more should I expect to bleed?
When is it safe physically for me to go to the Mikvah?
Are there any accommodations as far as the bedikah cloth since I am really sore?
Thanks.


Answer:

Bleeding after a D & C typically continues for a few hours to a few days.  If it goes beyond a week, you should consult your physician.

Unless your physician objects, it is safe to go to the mikveh as soon as you are eligible.  A mikveh is usually kept to more stringent hygienic standards than a home bath. If you are concerned, you can try to arrange with the mikveh in advance to be the first one to immerse.

Regarding your bedikot: This cycle, after your hefsek taharah, you should omit your moch dachuk.  You may also perform one bedikah daily during the seven clean days, instead of the usual two daily bedikot.  If this is still difficult, you may skip some of the bedikot on days two through six, making sure not to forget the bedikah on days one and seven. It is preferable to make sure to perform at least one additional bedikah on one of the middle days.

We recommend trying to find especially soft bedikah cloths. You can also wet your bedikah cloths slightly, so that they are less abrasive.  If the bedikot still cause you discomfort, you can try applying some water-based vaginal lubricant to the area about 15 minutes before the bedikah.

Feel free to write back to us or call our telephone hotline if we can be of further assistance.

Updated 13 September, 2023

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