Chhaya oral contraceptive pills (OCP) is?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Chhaya is the brand name for Ormeloxifene (Centchroman), which is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).
As a SERM, it is chemically distinct from steroid hormones like estrogen and progestin, making it non-hormonal and non-steroidal.
Its primary contraceptive mechanism is to alter the uterine lining to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, unlike hormonal pills which primarily prevent ovulation.
This classification makes it a suitable option for women who have contraindications to hormonal contraceptives, such as breastfeeding mothers or those with a history of thromboembolism.

Option B: This describes conventional oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), such as combined pills (e.g., Mala-D) or progestin-only pills, which contain synthetic steroid hormones (estrogen and/or progestin).
Option C: This option is contradictory. In the context of contraceptives, 'steroidal' compounds used for their systemic effect are hormonal in nature (gonadal steroids). Chhaya is neither.
Option D: This is incorrect because the first option, 'Non hormonal and non steroidal', provides an accurate description of Chhaya (Ormeloxifene).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological classification of the contraceptive pill 'Chhaya' as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Chhaya is a key component of India's National Family Planning Programme, offered as a non-hormonal spacing method.
Nurses must counsel users on its unique weekly schedule and the likelihood of menstrual irregularities (like delayed or infrequent periods), which is a common side effect but not usually a sign of pregnancy if the pill is taken correctly.
It is a preferred option for breastfeeding women as it does not contain estrogen and does not affect the quantity or quality of breast milk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'Chhaya'. Recognize this as a specific brand name of a contraceptive provided under the Indian national program.
Recall or deduce the pharmacological class of Chhaya. Differentiate it from more common oral contraceptives like Mala-D.
The key is knowing that Chhaya is Ormeloxifene, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), not a typical hormone.
Evaluate the options based on this classification. A SERM is, by definition, not a steroid hormone.
This leads to the conclusion that it is 'Non hormonal and non steroidal', eliminating the other options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological classification of the contraceptive pill 'Chhaya'
Stem keywords: Chhaya, oral contraceptive pills, OCP
Lead-in keywords: is

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 194-196

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