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.


This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases. All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.

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