Learn more about Saheli Plus Saheli Plus is the world's first non-hormonal contraceptive pill. Developed in India at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Saheli Plus has been a groundbreaking choice for women who want safe contraception. Unlike conventional oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) that modulate hormones to achieve contraception, Saheli Plus works by modulating how your body responds to oestrogen.

While it works in a unique way to achieve non-hormonal contraception, it is taken the same way as any other oral contraceptive pill. As a result, a few health issues can impact its absorption into the body. Reduced absorption and bioavailability can impact Saheli Plus's effectiveness. In those situations, you may need to take some precautions to ensure effective contraception.

This article explains how Saheli Plus is absorbed and how it works in the body. It lists the health issues that affect the contraceptive capabilities of Saheli Plus. It outlines the steps you should take to ensure continued contraception and reproductive health.

Absorption of Saheli Plus

Saheli Plus is an oral contraceptive pill. So, it is taken orally and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, just like any other OCP. However, unlike hormonal pills that affect hormone levels, Saheli Plus bypasses hormonal pathways, and the active compound, Centchroman, is efficiently absorbed.

Since it does not affect hormone levels, Saheli Plus does not cause any side effects arising from hormonal fluctuations, such as weight gain, mood swings, or irregular bleeding.

Unlike hormonal pills, Saheli Plus remains active for a prolonged period of time. As a result, Saheli Plus follows a unique once-a-week dosage schedule in contrast to the daily dosage of hormonal OCPs.

How Saheli Plus Prevents Pregnancy

Saheli Plus works differently from hormonal pills. It acts in two ways - both oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic in different organs, acting as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM):

• Anti-Oestrogenic: Saheli Plus is anti-oestrogenic in the uterus, preventing the uterine lining from developing fully and becoming receptive to implantation of the egg. As a result, even after fertilisation, the embryo cannot attach securely to the thin endometrium in the uterus.
• Pro-Oestrogenic: Saheli Plus is pro-oestrogenic in the fallopian tubes, accelerating the transport of a fertilised ovum through the fallopian tube. It results in the fertilised egg arriving prematurely in the uterus. Since it reaches the uterus before it fully matures, the chances of pregnancy are reduced.

To know more about how this dual action of Saheli Plus ensures safe contraception without interfering with your hormonal balance, fertility, or long-term reproductive health, refer to a detailed article on how Saheli Plus works.

Health Factors That Can Affect the Effectiveness of Saheli Plus

Saheli Plus is a non-hormonal contraceptive with effectiveness comparable to hormonal pills. Like all other OCPs, it needs to be absorbed and metabolised to be an effective and successful contraceptive. Health issues that prevent your body from absorbing Saheli Plus can reduce its bioavailability and efficacy. It could result in contraceptive failure. Following are some health issues to be aware of when using Saheli Plus.

• Acute gastrointestinal disorders and disturbances, such as severe vomiting or diarrhoea after taking the pill, can prevent proper absorption. As a result, you may have inadequate contraceptive protection.
• Chronic health issues affecting the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease, that cause vomiting and diarrhoea, may impact Saheli Plus' effectiveness.

Discuss With Your Doctor and Ensure the Effectiveness of Saheli Plus

• When you have the above-mentioned health issues, it is essential to discuss your medical history with your doctor, clarify the medications you are already taking, and consult with them regarding how to ensure the effectiveness of Saheli Plus and prevent contraceptive failure.
• If you are suffering from poor absorption of Saheli Plus due to health issues, your doctor can help you choose the most appropriate backup contraception based on your individual needs.

Self-Care: What To Do If Effectiveness Is Compromised

If you suffer from any of those health conditions, you can take proactive steps to ensure continued protection. If vomiting or diarrhoea occurs, you should continue taking Saheli Plus as per the dosage schedule and choose a reliable backup protection, such as condoms, till your next period.

It ensures that you continue to benefit from Saheli Plus's protection without the risk of contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy.

Final Thoughts: Predict Reduced Effectiveness and Take Corrective Action

Saheli Plus is a contraception innovation ahead of its time. It pioneered safe and effective non-hormonal contraception for women, giving them control over their fertility,encouraging men's participation, ensuring gender equality, and promoting women's empowerment. Its unique dual action as a SERM safeguards women's reproductive health while supporting long-term wellbeing and hormonal balance. Its unique dual action as a SERM safeguards women's reproductive health while supporting long-term wellbeing and hormonal balance.

However, like all oral contraceptive pills, its effectiveness can be compromised by certain medical conditions that reduce its absorption and bioavailability. By understanding how these health issues reduce the effectiveness of Saheli Plus and taking corrective action, you can avoid contraceptive failure and continue to enjoy the benefits of non-hormonal Saheli Plus.

FAQs

1. How effective is Saheli Plus compared to other oral contraceptive pills?
Saheli Plus is as effective as hormonal OCPs when taken correctly. However, unlike hormonal pills, it does not cause common side effects while providing equally strong protection.

2. Can Saheli Plus affect long-term fertility?
No. Saheli Plus is a non-hormonal contraceptive, and it does not affect natural hormonal balance and fertility. It is easily reversible, and women can conceive normally after stopping the pill.

3. What should I do if I miss a pill in Saheli Plus' dosage schedule?
If you miss taking Saheli Plus, take it as soon as possible. If you missed the pill for more than two days, it is advisable to take the pill and use backup contraception, such as condoms, till the next period in your menstrual cycle to prevent contraceptive failure. If you missed the pill for more than a week, it is essential to start it from the beginning - take a pill on the first day of your next period, twice a week for three months and then once a week. You have to use condoms till your next period.

4. Are there health conditions where Saheli Plus may not work effectively?
Yes, digestive disorders or concurrent use of certain medications can reduce its absorption. In such cases, combining Saheli Plus with backup contraception is advisable.