What is the ruling on the prayer and fasting of a woman whose istihadah (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding) continues for long periods after childbirth (nifas), especially when she sometimes feels confused and doubtful whether it is istihadah or menstruation, and is she required to renew her ablution for every prayer, and is it permissible for her husband to have intercourse with her during this istihadah?

Using birth control pills is permissible under certain conditions. Istihadah is blood that flows outside the usual menstrual period, and a woman experiencing istihadah has the same ruling as one who is pure: she may fast, pray, and sexual intercourse with her is permissible. However, she must perform ablution for every prayer. If a woman can distinguish menstrual blood by its characteristics, then she is menstruating, and she is not permitted to pray, fast, or engage in sexual intercourse. If the menstrual period continues for more than half a month, it is considered istihadah.