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

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Mikveh with HPV

27 July, 2020
Question:

Hi. Unfortunately I have HPV. It’s contagious through sex. If I want to touch my husband regularly (like tapping or hugging, kissing or passing) do I go to the Mikveh? Will going to the Mikveh be a danger to other women?


Answer:

A woman is permitted to immerse in the mikveh for the sake of other forms of physical closeness.

HPV is very unlikely to spread via water. Even so, as a precaution, you should arrange in advance to be the last woman to immerse on your mikveh night, prepare at home and bring your own towels. Please inform the staff, so that they can change the water after your immersion or filter it overnight.

We wish you a refuah sheleimah! Please don’t hesitate to be in touch as you work through this issue.

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