Is it normal for bickering between spouses to persist, and for intercourse to occur once a month, and is there any religious advice regarding this matter?

The Shari'ah commands the husband to treat his wife with kindness, even if he dislikes her, based on the Almighty's saying: "And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good." It is not permissible for a husband to mistreat his wife or be harsh with her in speech. The wife is advised to continue obeying her husband and earning his pleasure, to seek reward from Allah, and to ask Him to soften her husband's heart. The matter of intercourse—which varies according to a man's ability and inclination—may improve if the wife works to gain her husband's affection and pays attention to her appearance.