Saheli Plus Non-Hormonal Oral Contraceptive Pill (Centchroman): Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in India

What is Saheli Plus?

Saheli Plus is a non-hormonal oral contraceptive pill used for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It contains Centchroman (Ormeloxifene), a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that offers effective contraception without the use of estrogen or progesterone.

Developed in India, Saheli has been used for decades as a convenient weekly birth control pill and is considered an effective option for women seeking an alternative to daily hormonal contraceptives.

Key Benefits of Saheli Plus

• ✅ Non-hormonal contraception – Contains no estrogen or progesterone
• ✅ Convenient weekly dosing after the initial treatment period
• ✅ Lower incidence of hormone-related side effects compared with conventional oral contraceptive pills
• ✅ Suitable for women who cannot tolerate hormonal contraceptives
• ✅ Reversible method of contraception
• ✅ Can be used for long-term contraception under medical supervision

How Does Saheli Plus Work?

Centchroman works by selectively acting on estrogen receptors in the reproductive system. It helps prevent pregnancy by:

• Delaying the transport of the fertilized ovum
• Making the uterine lining less suitable for implantation
• Creating conditions that reduce the likelihood of successful pregnancy

Unlike emergency contraceptive pills, Saheli Plus is intended for regular, ongoing contraception and should not be used as a morning-after pill.

Dosage & How to Take Saheli Plus

Standard Dosage Schedule

During the first 3 months

• Take 1 tablet twice a week
• Maintain a gap of approximately 3–4 days between doses
• Example: Sunday and Wednesday

After 3 months

• Take 1 tablet once every week on the same day each week.

Important Instructions

• Take the tablet at approximately the same time on scheduled days.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule. If you're unsure what to do after missing doses, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not stop taking the medication without medical advice if ongoing contraception is desired.

Who Can Use Saheli Plus?

Saheli Plus may be suitable for women who:

• Prefer a non-hormonal birth control option
• Experience side effects with hormonal contraceptive pills
• Need a reversible, long-term contraceptive method
• Wish to maintain spacing between pregnancies

A healthcare professional can help determine whether Saheli Plus is appropriate based on your medical history.

Who Should Avoid Saheli Plus?

Do not use Saheli Plus without medical advice if you:

• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• Have unexplained or severe irregular menstrual bleeding
• Have certain estrogen-sensitive medical conditions
• Have liver disease or other significant medical conditions requiring specialist care
• Are taking medications that may interfere with its effectiveness

Always consult your doctor before starting any contraceptive medication.

Possible Side Effects

Most women tolerate Saheli Plus well. However, some may experience:

• Slight delay in menstrual periods
• Changes in menstrual cycle length
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Occasional spotting between periods
• Temporary irregular bleeding

These effects are generally mild and often improve with continued use. If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.

Saheli Plus vs Hormonal Birth Control Pills