Salam alaikum wa rahmatallah. Due to a medical condition, I have spotting after my period that I'm afraid is keeping me from getting pregnant... The spotting is from a condition called adenomyosis that causes the lining of the uterus to grow abnormally into the muscle of the uterus, so the body can't let go of it easily during menses. I've had this problem for about 7 years. What happens is that after my normal period ends (7 days, as it had been since age 12) I typically have another 5-7 days of spotting from that retained tissue (1-2 days of dark thready tissue, followed by 4-5 days of a very very light tan discharge). ----The problem arises that because of the spotting, I'm not able to have intercourse with my husband during the fertile days of my cycle (days 9-14) - so haven't been able to get pregnant. Can I consider that spotting istihadah and make ghusl? Although the spotting occurs this way every month now, it only began once the medical condition developed and was never part of my normal cycle. It is very distinct. Also, would there be any exception due to necessity? I can tell clearly the days in my cycle when I am fertile inshallah and would very much like to be able to take advantage of that. I don't have any children and am already 35 years old. Jazakum Allahu khairan wassalam.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Since the total days of bleeding which you described did not exceed the maximum period of menses which is 15 days including the first seven days, then it is considered as menstrual bleeding and not bleeding outside the menses. The fact that your menses used to be for seven days since the age of 12 does not necessarily means that it always remains the same; indeed, the period of menses may increase or decrease in women as it is known.

Therefore, it is not permissible for your husband to have sexual intercourse with you during that period until you become pure as Allaah Says (what means): {And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure.”}[Quran 2:222]

Allaah Knows best.