The Centchroman (Saheli) pill is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive used in India. Its mechanism of action is BEST described as:
- A Selective estrogen receptor modulator causing anti-estrogenic effects on endometrium and fallopian tube motility ✓
- B Progestogen-only suppression of LH surge preventing ovulation
- C Combined estrogen-progestogen suppression of FSH and LH
- D Copper-mediated spermicidal and anti-implantation effect
Correct answer: A. Selective estrogen receptor modulator causing anti-estrogenic effects on endometrium and fallopian tube motility
Explanation
Centchroman (Ormeloxifene/Saheli) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) — it has anti-estrogenic effects on the endometrium and fallopian tube, making the endometrium non-receptive for implantation and altering tubal transport. It does not suppress ovulation or affect FSH/LH significantly, does not contain steroids, and therefore lacks steroid side effects (no thromboembolism risk, no metabolic effects). It is taken weekly (twice weekly for first 3 months, then weekly). Developed by CDRI Lucknow, it is unique to India's family planning programme.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.