Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Successful implementation of various action plans to attain reproductive health requires strong infrastructural facilities, professional expertise and material support. These are essential to provide medical assistance and care to people in reproduction-related problems like pregnancy, delivery, STDs, abortions, contraception, menstrual problems, infertility, etc. Implementation of better techniques and new strategies from time to time are also required to provide more efficient care and assistance to people. Statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex-determination to legally check increasing menace of female foeticides, massive child immunisation, etc., are some programmes that merit mention in this connection. In aminocentesis some of the amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken to analyse the fetal cells and dissolved substances.

A new oral contraceptive for the females–was developed by scientists at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow, India. What is that contraceptive?

Saheli

The correct answer is Option (3) – Saheli

Oral administration of small doses of either progestogens or progestogen–estrogen combinations is a 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 and it was developed by scientists at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow, India.