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

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Mikveh before embryo transfer?

25 October, 2004
Question:

I am in the middle of an IVF cycle. I am scheduled for embryo transfer on Wednesday. Do I need to go to the mikveh before embryo transfer (not like insemination where sperm are injected directly)? Also, they specifically told me that a bath is prohibited. Should I just soak my feet?


Answer:

It is permissible to undergo an embryo transfer procedure prior to mikveh immersion when necessary.

Mikveh immersion following the procedure will be permissible as soon as you complete the shivah neki’im. This is the case even if marital relations are proscribed for medical reasons, since mikveh allows you to have physical contact with your husband.

Please clarify your physician’s concerns about bathing. In any case, it is permissible to prepare for immersion with a thorough shower, certainly when a bath is medically contraindicated. If your physician would also be concerned about infection in the mikveh, then arrangements can be made with to allow you to be the first to immerse on a given night, and thus have the cleanest water.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. We also invite you to arrange a free consultation with a Yoetzet Halacha Fertility Counselor as you navigate treatment, details here.

This response was updated on 31 May, 2021.

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