Biology · Reproductive Health · NEET
Saheli is a NON-steroidal pill. This is its most important feature for NEET. Normal oral contraceptive pills contain steroidal hormones (progestogens, or progestogen-estrogen combinations), but Saheli contains a non-steroidal preparation. So when the question says 'non-steroidal oral contraceptive', the answer is Saheli.
Saheli is a 'once a week' pill. This is a clear difference from normal pills. Ordinary oral contraceptive pills must be taken daily for 21 days (starting within the first 5 days of the cycle), then a 7-day gap. Saheli only needs one tablet per week, which makes it easier to use.
Three differences to remember: (1) Composition - normal pills are STEROIDAL (progestogen / progestogen-estrogen), Saheli is NON-steroidal. (2) Frequency - normal pills are DAILY, Saheli is ONCE A WEEK. (3) Side effects - Saheli has very few side effects and a high contraceptive value.
No. Saheli does NOT contain steroidal hormones like progestogen or estrogen. It contains a non-steroidal preparation. Do not confuse it with normal pills that use small doses of progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combinations.
Saheli was developed in India at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow. NCERT mentions it as an example of Indian research on new and better contraceptive methods. It is important because it is safe, non-steroidal, once-a-week and made in India, so NEET may ask it as a research/example fact.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
No, Saheli is non-hormonal in the steroidal sense. It contains a non-steroidal preparation, unlike normal pills which use steroidal hormones (progestogen / estrogen).
Once a week. It is famous as the 'once a week' pill, which is easier than daily pills.
Saheli has very few side effects and a high contraceptive value, according to NCERT. This is one of its main advantages.
Saheli was developed at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, India, as a result of research on new contraceptive methods.
Yes. Saheli is an oral contraceptive (a pill taken by mouth) meant for females, but it is non-steroidal and taken once a week.
