Question

How many of the given chemical contraceptives affect the hormonal cycle in females directly?

I. Saheli
II. Injections containing progestogen
III. Hypodermal skin implants
IV. Spermicidal salts

• A. 4
• B. 3
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer 1

The correct option is C 2

Chemical contraceptives are those contraceptives in which chemical constituents are used to prevent fertilisation or avoid pregnancy. They are of two types- hormonal (steroidal) and non hormonal (non steroidal). Steroid hormones include female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogens) and male sex hormones (testosterone). The hormonal contraceptives disturb the hormonal balance in the females to prevent ovulation and implantation. They include injections containing progestogen preparations and hypodermal skin implants that contain a form of progesterone. Depo-provera is the brand name of injectables available in the market. They contain progestogen-estrogen combination. Etonogestrel is an alternative form of the hormone progesterone which is mainly used in hormonal implants.

Nonoxynol is a chemical constituent of a spermicide. It contains chemicals that can kill sperms. It doesn’t affect the hormonal cycle of the females.

Saheli is a trade name for a non steroidal preparation of birth control pills. Saheli modifies the estrogen receptors of the uterus. It doesn’t affect the hormonal cycle at all.