Help is on the way for women suffering from heavy periods, thanks to an international training programme being held in Bradford.

The world's first training course in a revolutionary treatment for the problem will be staged at Bradford Royal Infirmary next month.

It was hailed today as a major boost for the hospital, which last year became the first in the north to use new microwave technology to relieve painful periods, the bane of many women's lives.

Consultant gynaecologists Peter O'Donovan and Sian Jones, who have pioneered the technique at Bradford, said it was fantastic news for BRI. "It's a huge boost because it is going to be the only centre globally that's teaching the treatment," said Mr O'Donovan.

"This innovation is a major breakthrough and it is a coup for Bradford that we have been chosen to be at the forefront of its expansion throughout the UK and, hopefully, the rest of the world."

Until now, anyone wanting to learn the technique, which uses microwaves to burn away the lining of the womb, had to travel to Bath, where its co-inventor Nick Sharp is based.

Ironically, Mr Sharp was born in Bradford and will be at BRI for the inaugural training course on April 3, which has been heavily oversubscribed.

More than 20 consultant gynaecologists and nurses will attend the day-long training session and Mr Sharp will give an open lecture that day. Those taking part in the training are from all over the UK. There has also been interest from around the world for future courses. Trainees will hear lectures and watch the technique being performed on patients as well as practising for themselves on latex models.

Thirty women have received the treatment in Bradford over the past nine months but Mr O'Donovan and Miss Jones plan to double that number over the next year. "The results are stunning, to say the least," said Mr O'Donovan.

"It has been proved to be a safe, simple and successful procedure which takes only a few minutes and leaves no scarring. Patients are able to return to normal activities in two to four days.

"Although we do not know why some women get heavy periods, we know that removing the lining of the uterus to a precise level where it does not grow back does stop the problem. Periods either disappear completely or are significantly reduced."

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