International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

An experimental morning-after pill could help relieve millions of women from the womb condition fibroids.

The drug, which is called ulipristal acetate (UPA), could provide a non-surgical alternative treatment for the condition that causes women to suffer pain, heavy periods and infertility, researchers from the US National Institutes of Health said.

Women who took the contraceptive tablet experienced their fibroids shrink in size and volume, leading to a significant reduction in symptoms associated with the condition.

The researchers carried out psychological tests on the women too, showing their energy levels and mood were lifted by taking the drug.

After ceasing the treatment, fertility levels were restored to the women as well.

"The results... are convincing and lead us to conclude that UPA is an effective non-invasive treatment for fibroids that can help maintain fertility in women whose only option up to now was to have surgery," said study leader Alicia Armstrong.

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that grow in or around the uterus. They tend to develop during a woman's reproductive years - between 16 and 50 - and are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue.

Posted by Alexandra George