The Centchroman (Saheli) oral contraceptive pill is unique among oral contraceptives because:

• A It is the only combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) approved in India
• B It is a progesterone-only pill taken daily without a break
• C It provides contraception for 72 hours after intercourse (post-coital)
• D It is a non-steroidal, ormeloxifene-based SERM taken weekly (twice weekly for first 3 months, then once weekly) ✓

Explanation

Centchroman (Saheli, brand name) contains ormeloxifene (60 mg), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), developed indigenously in India. It is non-steroidal, has no estrogen or progestin, and is taken twice weekly for the first 3 months then once weekly. It acts by preventing implantation and altering endometrial receptivity. Its advantages are a weekly dosing schedule, fewer hormonal side effects, and suitability for lactating women.

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.