For patients in South Africa

Erectile dysfunction treatment in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means repeatedly finding it hard to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It is common, it becomes more likely with age, and it is often treatable. It can also be an early sign of another health problem. This page explains how ED is assessed and treated in İzmir, Turkey, for men travelling from South Africa, and what to plan for. It is part of our men’s health and urology guide.

Possible causes

• Blood vessel disease, which reduces blood flow to the penis
• Diabetes
• Hormone imbalance, such as low testosterone
• Stress, anxiety or relationship strain
• Side effects of medication
• Smoking and other lifestyle factors

Because ED can share causes with heart and metabolic disease, a medical check matters even if you are mainly interested in treatment. If you have chest pain, breathlessness or known heart disease, tell us at the start.

How it is assessed

• A detailed medical and sexual history
• A physical examination by a urologist
• Blood tests, for example hormones, glucose and cholesterol
• A Doppler ultrasound of blood flow, where it is needed
• A psychological assessment if it seems relevant

If hormones are a question, see the male hormone check. If low desire is the main concern, see low libido.

Treatment options

The urologist matches the treatment to the cause and severity. Many men do not need surgery.

• Lifestyle changes — exercise, diet, managing stress and stopping smoking can help on their own or alongside other treatment
• Medication — oral ED medicines are often tried first, prescribed after assessment
• Shockwave therapy (ESWT) — a non-surgical course for some men with mild to moderate ED, particularly where blood flow is the problem; see shockwave therapy for ED
• Psychological support — when anxiety or relationship factors play a part
• Penile prosthesis — a surgical implant for severe ED when other treatments have not worked or are not tolerated; see penile prosthesis

If ED comes with curvature, see Peyronie’s disease.

How long to stay in Turkey

An assessment and tests can usually be done in a few days. Shockwave therapy is given as several sessions over a number of weeks, so ask before you book how the course would fit your trip. A penile prosthesis is an operation under general or spinal anaesthesia, and the device is usually activated about four to six weeks later, so the follow-up plan needs agreeing in advance. The urologist decides when you are fit to fly; book a return ticket you can change.

Planning from South Africa

• Direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short flight to İzmir
• South Africans need an e-Visa; see the e-Visa guide
• Bring a list of your medicines and any recent blood results, and take home a written report for your GP
• Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa, which makes follow-up calls easy
• Medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment, so check both

Our treatment guarantee covers medical complications from treatment for one year from the date of treatment. Clinic details are on the clinic facts page, and our complaints page explains how problems are handled. More background is on the erectile dysfunction treatment page.

What we will not do

We will not prescribe or treat without an assessment, we will not promise a particular result, and we will not recommend an implant when a less invasive treatment has not been properly considered.

Frequently asked questions

Is erectile dysfunction a normal part of ageing?

It becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable and is often treatable. It is worth having checked at any age.

Can ED be a sign of heart disease?

It can. ED may be linked to blood vessel disease, diabetes or other metabolic problems, so the assessment looks for these as well as treating the symptom.

Do I need surgery for erectile dysfunction?

Usually not. Many men respond to lifestyle changes, medication or shockwave therapy. A penile prosthesis is considered for severe ED when other treatments have not worked.

What decides the cost of ED treatment?

The tests needed, the treatment chosen, the number of sessions for shockwave therapy, the type of implant if surgery is needed, and what the package includes. A firm figure is only possible after an assessment.

Will my medical aid cover ED treatment in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad. Ask your scheme before you book, and do not rely on travel insurance to cover planned treatment.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.