'Miracle' pill could banish period pains

London, Oct 8 (ANI): Women could soon be spared period pains thanks to a new pill developed by scientists from Southampton.

The pill, from a drug called VA111913, can help cure the monthly cramps that leave some women bedridden.

It is currently in the second phase of testing and is being trialled on 128 women, aged between 18 and 35, in Britain and America, reports The Daily Express.

Participants will be given a six-day course of the treatment during their menstrual cycle.

If it proves effective the drug could be available within four years.

Dr Jim Phillips, chief executive of Vantia Therapeutics, the Southampton-based company behind the discovery, said: "I think it would be fair to call it a breakthrough - there is certainly no other treatment like it.

"From our research there is nothing to suggest it won't work."

Period pain is caused by contractions in the womb as it sheds its lining during menstruation.

Each contraction temporarily stops the blood flow to the womb causing the blood vessels in the muscle wall to compress and the tissue to be starved of oxygen, causing pain.

At the same time chemicals are released that induce stronger contractions which cause even more pain. (ANI)