Question:
A low dose oral contraceptive pill contains which of the following?
A low dose oral contraceptive pill contains which of the following?
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The third-generation, highly potent progestogen lets the dose be kept lowest.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Levonorgestrel
- Norgestrel
- Desogestrel
- Norethisterone
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Define a low dose pill. A low dose combined oral contraceptive pill typically contains 20 to 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol combined with a low quantity of a potent progestogen.
Step 2: Recall progestogen generations. Progestogens have evolved across generations. Levonorgestrel and norgestrel are second-generation; norethisterone is a first-generation (estrane) progestogen. Desogestrel is a third-generation progestogen.
Step 3: Link potency to dose. Third-generation progestogens such as desogestrel are highly selective and potent, so they achieve reliable contraception at very small doses and are used in modern low dose formulations. They also have a more favourable androgenic profile.
Step 4: Eliminate the others. Norethisterone is used in higher milligram doses (older, higher dose pills). Levonorgestrel and norgestrel, while widely used, represent the second generation and are not the hallmark of the lowest dose third-generation preparations referenced here.
Conclusion: The low dose oral contraceptive pill characteristically contains desogestrel, so the answer is option C.
Step 2: Recall progestogen generations. Progestogens have evolved across generations. Levonorgestrel and norgestrel are second-generation; norethisterone is a first-generation (estrane) progestogen. Desogestrel is a third-generation progestogen.
Step 3: Link potency to dose. Third-generation progestogens such as desogestrel are highly selective and potent, so they achieve reliable contraception at very small doses and are used in modern low dose formulations. They also have a more favourable androgenic profile.
Step 4: Eliminate the others. Norethisterone is used in higher milligram doses (older, higher dose pills). Levonorgestrel and norgestrel, while widely used, represent the second generation and are not the hallmark of the lowest dose third-generation preparations referenced here.
Conclusion: The low dose oral contraceptive pill characteristically contains desogestrel, so the answer is option C.
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