But there are options other than waiving the chumra deRabbi Zeira. Rav Ovadia Yosef and Rav Moshe Feinstein permit using artificial means to conceive a child, even before the wife has immersed in the mikvah. It is important to note that many poskim strongly urge that this process be performed under rabbinical supervision so that no tampering or mistakes occur during the process.
Additionally, many halachic authorities allow the waiving of the later custom while maintaining intact the chumra deRabbi Zeira. This approach helps solve the problem in some cases. There are also medications that serve to avoid this entire problem. Rav Menachem Burstein of Machon Pu’ah, an organization that specializes in halacha and fertility, has said that these medications have greatly reduced instances of “Orthodox Infertility.”
But care must be taken to insure that this process does not harm a woman’s health. There are also home remedies that have shown promise, even if not yet proven through studies, such as eating properly – especially a routine breakfast every day.
With all these medical approaches, a significant solution to “Orthodox Infertility” lies in education. Some couples simply have a mistaken understanding of the laws of family purity and need to refresh their knowledge of the subject and consult with a competent halachic authority. Unnecessary stringencies can sometimes lead to couples being unable to have children, and this can be avoided with more study of these halachot.
The main message being conveyed here is that this aspect of halacha is not subject to change on any widespread basis. While in specific circumstances competent halachic authorities might see room to be lenient on various practices, this is an area for individuals to discuss privately with their rabbis. There are options available that can solve many problems without calling for communal changes in time-honored family practices.
