Read the given passage and answer the following questions:
Oral administration of small doses of either progestogens or progestogen –estrogen combinations is another contraceptive method used by the females. They are used in the form of tablets and hence are popularly called the pills. Pills have to be taken daily for a period of 21 days starting preferably within the first five days of menstrual cycle. After a gap of 7 days (during which menstruation occurs) it has to be repeated in the same pattern till the female desires to prevent conception. They inhibit ovulation and implantation as well as alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent/retard entry of sperms. Pills are very effective with lesser side effects and are well accepted by the females. Saheli –the new oral contraceptive for the females contains a non-steroidal preparation. It is a ‘once a week’ pill with very few side effects and high contraceptive value. Progestogens alone or in combination with estrogen can also be used by females as injections or implants under the skin. Their mode of action is similar to that of pills and their effective periods are much longer. Administration of progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combinations or IUDs within 72 hours of coitus have been found to be very effective as emergency contraceptives as they could be used to avoid possible pregnancy due to rape or casual unprotected intercourse.
Which of the following is an advantage of Saheli compared to other contraceptive pills?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Saheli is a non-steroidal, once-a-week pill with fewer side effects.
The passage states that Saheli, “the new oral contraceptive for the females contains a non-steroidal preparation. It is a ‘once a week’ pill with very few side effects and high contraceptive value.”
Most oral pills contain progestogens or progestogen–estrogen combinations, which are steroid hormones, and they must be taken every day for 21 days. Saheli differs on both points, and that is its advantage.
Option (1) Saheli needs to be taken daily. — Incorrect. Daily intake for 21 days is the routine of the usual pills. Saheli is taken only once a week.
Option (2) Saheli is a non-steroidal, once-a-week pill with fewer side effects. — Correct. All three features match the passage: non-steroidal, once a week and few side effects.
Option (3) Saheli is a steroidal, once-a-week pill with fewer side effects. — Incorrect. The weekly schedule and few side effects are right, but Saheli is non-steroidal, not steroidal. One wrong word makes the option false.
Option (4) Saheli is a non-steroidal pill that has to be taken daily for 21 days. — Incorrect. Saheli is non-steroidal, but it is not a daily pill. The 21-day daily schedule belongs to the other pills.