For patients in South Africa

Uterine prolapse surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Uterine prolapse happens when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus in place weaken or stretch, so the uterus moves down towards, or through, the vaginal opening. Childbirth, menopause, chronic coughing or straining, extra abdominal weight and inherited tissue weakness all play a part. This page explains when surgery is considered, the main options, and what South African patients need to plan before travelling to İzmir.

Symptoms and grades

Prolapse ranges from mild, where the uterus stays inside the vagina, to severe, where part of it protrudes. Common symptoms include:

• Heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
• A feeling of tissue bulging from the vagina
• Lower back discomfort
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Discomfort when standing for long periods or during activity

The grade matters: milder prolapse often responds to pelvic floor therapy or a pessary, while more advanced prolapse usually needs surgery. If leaking urine when you cough or exercise is part of the picture, read our stress incontinence surgery guide too.

Who it suits

• Women with moderate to severe prolapse
• Persistent pelvic pressure, or urinary or bowel symptoms caused by the prolapse
• Symptoms that non-surgical treatment has not relieved
• Stable general health

A gynaecological examination decides the approach. Whether you want to keep your uterus is a central part of that decision, not an afterthought, so say so at the start.

The surgical options

• Uterine suspension: the uterus is repositioned and kept, and its supporting ligaments and tissue are strengthened
• Hysterectomy as part of the repair: the uterus is removed vaginally, by keyhole surgery or through the abdomen, sometimes with support for other pelvic organs (see our hysterectomy guide)
• Sacrocolpopexy: the uterus or top of the vagina is supported with surgical mesh attached to the sacrum, at the base of the spine

Surgery is done under general anaesthetic. The surgeon reaches the pelvic organs through the vagina, the abdomen or small keyhole cuts, repositions or removes the uterus, and rebuilds support with stitches or surgical materials. How long it takes depends on the technique. Preparation includes a pelvic examination, an assessment of bladder and pelvic floor function, imaging if needed, stopping smoking and avoiding medicines that increase bleeding.

Continuity of care and the flight home

Direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa before they travel, and İzmir is only one hour ahead of South Africa, which makes video follow-up easy to arrange.

This is major pelvic surgery, so plan who will follow you up in South Africa before you book. Bring previous scans and reports, take your operation notes home, and ask your GP or gynaecologist to see you after you return. Ask the surgeon how blood clot risk will be managed and when it is safe for you to take a ten-hour flight; book a ticket you can change. Pelvic floor physiotherapy at home may help protect the repair.

Recovery

Early on you can expect pelvic discomfort, tiredness and some temporary urinary symptoms. Heavy lifting is avoided while you heal, activity builds up gradually, and full recovery takes several weeks. Arrange help at home for the first weeks back.

Risks include infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs, urinary difficulties, temporary pelvic discomfort and the prolapse coming back, which depends partly on pelvic floor strength and lifestyle.

What we will not do

We will not recommend surgery when exercises or a pessary are the better first step, we will not confirm a plan before a gynaecologist has assessed you, and we will not downplay the recovery. South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, so ask your scheme directly, and note that standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad. Complications and clinically necessary revisions within a year are covered by our treatment guarantee; flights and accommodation remain your own responsibility. See also our women’s health guide, clinic facts, complaints page and the full uterine prolapse surgery treatment page.

Frequently asked questions

Is surgery always needed for uterine prolapse?

No. Mild prolapse can often be managed with pelvic floor exercises or a support device. Surgery is considered for moderate to severe prolapse or when other treatment has not helped.

Can I keep my uterus?

Often, yes. Uterine suspension repositions the uterus and strengthens its support. In some cases removing the uterus is recommended, and this is discussed before surgery.

How long does recovery take?

Full recovery takes several weeks. Heavy lifting is avoided while you heal and activity is built up gradually.

When can I fly home to South Africa?

When the surgeon confirms it is safe. Ask how blood clot risk will be managed on a long-haul flight, and book a ticket you can change.

Can prolapse come back after surgery?

Yes, it can recur in some cases, depending on factors such as pelvic floor strength and lifestyle.

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