For patients in South Africa

Fibroid removal in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths of the muscle of the uterus. They are common, vary greatly in size and number, and many never need treatment. When they cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, or affect fertility, removing them can help. This page explains the options in İzmir and what South African patients should plan for. It is part of our women’s health and gynaecology guide.

When treatment is needed

Small fibroids without symptoms can simply be monitored. Treatment is considered for:

• Heavy or long periods, or anaemia from blood loss
• Pelvic pain or pressure, or pain during intercourse
• Frequent urination or constipation from pressure on nearby organs
• Difficulty conceiving or repeated miscarriage
• Rapid growth or distortion of the uterus

The fibroid type matters: intramural fibroids grow in the uterine wall, submucosal ones bulge into the cavity, subserosal ones sit on the outside, and pedunculated ones hang on a stalk.

Assessment before surgery

Send your bleeding and pain history, pregnancy plans and any scans before you travel. A pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound shows size, number and position, and an MRI helps with complex cases. Blood tests check for anaemia. Hormone treatment to shrink fibroids beforehand is sometimes suggested.

The options

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: through the vagina and cervix with no cut on the abdomen; suited to submucosal fibroids
• Laparoscopic myomectomy: keyhole surgery through small cuts, with less pain and a faster recovery
• Open myomectomy: for very large or numerous fibroids, with a larger cut and a longer recovery
• Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus, considered for severe or recurrent fibroids when no future pregnancy is wanted; it permanently ends fertility

The operation is under general or regional anaesthetic. When the uterus is kept, the surgeon repairs its wall, and removed tissue may be sent for laboratory analysis.

Recovery, pregnancy and risks

Expect tummy discomfort, tiredness and light bleeding for a short time. Open surgery means a longer hospital stay and recovery. Many women can conceive after myomectomy, but pregnancy is usually delayed for several months while the uterus heals, a caesarean may be advised, and regular monitoring in pregnancy matters.

Risks include infection, bleeding or the need for a transfusion, scar tissue, injury to nearby organs, fibroids coming back, and, rarely, the need to convert to a hysterectomy during surgery.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, so video follow-ups fit easily into a working day
• Pregnancy plans: tell your obstetrician at home about the myomectomy and take the operation notes, as they affect how a future pregnancy and birth are managed
• Blood clots: ask the surgeon what precautions to take on the long flight
• Fitness to fly: the surgeon decides when you are fit for the long flight home, so book a return ticket you can change
• Cover: South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, so ask your scheme in writing before you book; standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad

Guarantee and follow-up

A follow-up review and the pathology results are discussed with you, by video call if you are already home. Surgical treatments are covered by our treatment guarantee for one year from the date of treatment. It covers medical complications arising from the treatment and any revision the treating team judges clinically necessary; that treatment is carried out in İzmir at no charge, while flights and accommodation remain your own responsibility. It is not a promise of a particular result. Facts about the clinic and surgeons are on the clinic facts page, and if something goes wrong you can use our complaints process. The original treatment page is fibroid removal.

What we will not do

We will not operate on fibroids that can safely be watched, we will not promise that fibroids will not return, and we will not recommend a hysterectomy if you want to keep your fertility and a uterus-preserving option is suitable.

Frequently asked questions

Do all fibroids need surgery?

No. Many fibroids are small and cause no symptoms, and they can simply be monitored.

Will removing fibroids stop heavy periods?

In many cases bleeding improves considerably, especially when fibroids are the main cause.

Can fibroids come back?

Yes. They can recur, particularly in younger women and those with several fibroids, so ongoing monitoring may be advised.

How soon can I try to get pregnant afterwards?

Usually after several months, to let the uterus heal fully. The surgeon will advise based on the operation you had.

When can I fly home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides, based on the operation and how you are healing. Book a return ticket you can change and ask about blood clot precautions for the flight.

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