Question

Third generation oral contraceptive pills containing norgestrel and gestodene along with estrogens

• A. Are more lipid friendly
• B. Decrease the risk of venous thromboembolism
• C. Increase the risk of break through bleeding
• D. Are not used for emergency contraception

Hint:

Less androgenic progestins improve the lipid profile but slightly raise clot risk.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Progestins used in the pill have changed generation by generation, becoming less androgenic (less male hormone-like) with each newer type.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Lower androgenic activity in a progestin generally helps the lipid profile but does not lower clotting risk; in fact clotting risk goes up slightly with these newer progestins.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Being less androgenic, third generation pills raise good cholesterol (HDL) and are kinder to the lipid profile overall, so calling them lipid friendly is accurate.
Their venous thromboembolism risk is actually a little higher than with second generation pills, not lower, so that option does not hold.
Breakthrough bleeding is not their hallmark feature either.
They are also used in some emergency contraception regimens, so saying they cannot be used for that purpose is wrong.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct property is that they are more lipid friendly, option (A).