This article will guide you in what to do if you find unexpected spotting or staining and you don’t have the luxury of living near a certified Bodeket.
If you find yourself in the position of finding spotting or staining that you suspect may be of non-uterine origin you will have to rely on your healthcare provider, whether your physician, midwife or similar to determine the origin of the bleeding. Often times the Halachic wounds which may be significant in determining your Niddah status may be overlooked by your physician as these types of halachic wounds are usually totally insignificant from a medical and/or health point of view. By asking a number of key questions you can guide your Physician to obtain the findings necessary to relate to your Rav.
Questions to ask your physician or other healthcare provider BEFORE the exam so that he will be aware of what you want him/her to find out:
- Is there any bleeding from the uterus?
- Most important question: Is there an ectropion? Is it bleeding? If it is not bleeding, touch it with a swab, does it bleed? If it does not bleed when touched with a swab, does it bleed when touched with a Bedika cloth? Please provide your Physician with a Bedika cloth so that he/she can touch the ectropion with the cloth. An ectropion is the most common cause of non-uterine bleeding.
- While doing the exam do you see any lesions, cysts, erosion or polyps or any other irregularities on the cervix? Is it bleeding? If it is not bleeding, touch it with a swab, does it bleed? If it does not bleed when touched with a swab, does it bleed when touched with a Bedika cloth (please provide your physician with a Bedika cloth.)
- While doing the exam, do you see any lesions or irregularities on the vaginal walls? Is there any bleeding from the vaginal walls? If it does not bleed, touch it with a swab, does it bleed? If it does not bleed when touched with a swab does it bleed when touched with a Bedika cloth? The vaginal walls are not a common source of bleeding.
- Is there any bleeding from the vulva? If there is no bleeding, touch it with a swab, does it bleed? If it does not bleed when touched with a swab, touch it with a Bedika cloth, does it bleed? Is there an episiotomy site that is not completely healed?
- Could the exam itself lead to any spotting or bleeding? If yes, what is the source of this bleeding?
- For how long could any of the bleeding found during the exam be expected to last?
- How much bleeding would be expected to be seen?
- Would the bleeding be expected to be constant, intermittent or only when touched?
These questions are a guide to asking questions in the case of unexpected spotting or staining that you suspect is non uterine bleeding. It is NOT a guide for a routine exam or for an exam that includes a procedure. The questions asked in those situations would be somewhat different and should be asked to your Rav or Kallah teacher.
Although you may not live near a certified Bodeket, the above guide will help you obtain a Halachic ruling from your Rav in the case of unexpected spotting or staining. This will hopefully help you get to the Mikvah on time and prevent unnecessary separation between husband and wife. If more guidance is needed, please contact mikvah.org
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Spotting or staining does not “automatically” render a woman niddah; it depends on where the blood is coming from. While this distinction may be irrelevant to medical doctors, who are focused onpathology and disease, a Bodeket can determine the source of bleeding and provide a report for your Rav, so a proper and informed halachic decision can be made.
Now you can be examined confidentially and discreetly by Channie Akerman, who was trained by the original Bodeket in Israel. Endorsed by prominent Rabbonim and numerous authors of sefarim on Taharat Hamishpacha, the exam can sometimes prevent unnecessary separation time and trips to the mikvah.
Special attention and guidance is also given to newlyweds, who are often unsure at this special time in their lives. Practical, hands-on instruction provided in how to make bedikot and similar issues.
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