Which new non-hormonal contraceptive pill is available in Government Institutions?

NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Explanation

CHHAYA is the only non-hormonal oral contraceptive pill among the options.
Its active ingredient is Centchroman (Ormeloxifene), which acts as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).
It works primarily by preventing the implantation of the fertilized ovum, rather than by inhibiting ovulation like hormonal pills.
CHHAYA is distributed free of cost through government health centers in India as part of the national family planning program.

Option B: MALA-D is a hormonal contraceptive. It is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing both estrogen and progestin.
Option C: MALA-A (similar to MALA-N) is a hormonal contraceptive. It is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing both estrogen and progestin.
Option D: ANTRA (Antara) is a hormonal contraceptive, but it is an injectable (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate - DMPA), not a pill.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Contraceptive methods under India's National Family Planning Program as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
CHHAYA is an important option for women who have contraindications to hormonal contraceptives (e.g., history of thrombosis, certain cancers, breastfeeding) or who experience significant side effects from them.
Nurses must provide clear counseling on the unique dosing schedule of CHHAYA, the need for a backup method (like condoms) for the first month, and the common side effect of delayed or irregular menstrual cycles.
What if a patient reports her period is delayed by 15 days while on CHHAYA? The nurse should first rule out pregnancy by advising a pregnancy test. If negative, reassure the patient that delayed cycles are a known side effect and advise her to continue the pill as scheduled.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key requirements from the question stem: 1) 'non-hormonal', 2) 'contraceptive pill', and 3) 'available in Government Institutions'.
Next, evaluate each option against these three criteria.
Recall or deduce the nature of each option. MALA-D and MALA-A are well-known combined hormonal pills.
Recognize that ANTRA (Antara) is an injectable contraceptive (DMPA), which is hormonal and not a pill.
This process of elimination leaves CHHAYA as the only option that fits all criteria: it is a pill, it is non-hormonal (Centchroman), and it is supplied by the government.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Contraceptive methods under India's National Family Planning Program
Stem keywords: non-hormonal contraceptive pill, Government Institutions
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: The term 'Government Institutions' points to contraceptives available under the National Family Planning Program of India.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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