What is the ruling on blood discharged before and after a cervical dilation procedure, and does it affect prayer?

Taking birth control pills may lead to menstrual irregularities. If the blood discharged has the characteristics of menstrual blood (dark red, thick, with an odor), it is menstruation, which prohibits prayer, fasting, and sexual intercourse. However, if it is light red and odorless, it is bleeding (istihada), and the woman must perform ablution (wudu), pray, and take precautions.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah issued a fatwa (definition) that known menstruation resulting from taking medication is to be considered as such, just as the cessation of menstruation due to medication is considered purity (tahara).

The Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas also issued a fatwa stating that if the blood discharged after taking birth control pills is the woman's known menstrual blood, then it is menstruation; otherwise, it is not considered menstruation.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen pointed out the necessity of consulting a doctor to determine whether the blood is menstruation or merely secretions resulting from the pills.

The same ruling applies to blood discharged after surgical operations; if it is menstrual blood, it prohibits prayer and fasting; otherwise, it is istihada. It is worth noting that any blood exceeding fifteen days in a month is not considered menstruation by the majority of scholars.