‘Saheli’ is an oral contraceptive which works primarily by preventing

Saheli works primarily by preventing implantation of fertilised ovum. It does not inhibit ovulation. It contains the non-steroidal drug centchroman (ormeloxifene) which is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM). In some parts of the body (e.g., bones), its action is estrogenic while in other parts of the body (e.g., uterus, breasts), its action is antiestrogenic. It causes an asynchrony between ovulation and the development of the uterine lining. It causes the lining of the uterus to build more slowly and speeds the transport of any fertilised egg through the fallopian tubes more quickly. It interferes with the production of oestrogen which prevents the growth and thickening of the uterine lining.