Updated by: Arabinda Naik
They are used in the form of tablets. Therefore, they are called pills. Pills must be taken daily for 21 days starting within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle after a gap of 7 days it has to be repeated. They inhibit ovulation and implantation. Oral contraceptive pills are daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. These pills contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormone which prevent ovulation. The woman will not become pregnant if she does not ovulate. These pills thicken mucus around the cervix because of which the sperm will not be able to reach the uterus.
Mini pills: they contain progestin only with no estrogen. It contains a non-steroidal preparation called centchromon which is taken once in a week after an interval intake of twice a week dose for 3 months. Example Saheli. Saheli is an example of an oral contraceptive that contains a non-steroidal component called centchroman. it is a once-a-week pill. other contraceptive pills must be taken daily for 21 days. starting within the first day of a menstrual cycle.
Combined pills: they contain synthetic progesterone(levonorgestrel) and oestrogen (ethinyl oestradiol) to check ovulation. example mala D, and mala N. They are taken daily without a break. Oral contraceptive pills increase the risks of intravascular clotting. Therefore, they are not recommended for women suffering from blood clotting, cerebral blood vessel damage, hypertension, liver malfunctioning, heart disease, or cancer of the breast.