- A UK-facing consultant pathway in Istanbul takes 2–3 days.
- Cost is typically well below UK private equivalents.
- Follow-up integrates back into NHS care.
Why UK women travel for HPV care
NHS colposcopy waiting times have stretched significantly since 2022. In some regions, women wait 3–6 months after an abnormal smear. Private UK clinics move faster but charge £600–£1,200 for colposcopy and £1,500–£3,000 for LEEP under local anaesthetic.
In Istanbul, a full HPV subtype panel, consultant colposcopy, LEEP if needed and pathology can be completed across two days at a fraction of UK private cost, with a Turkish-trained consultant fluent in the UK NHS pathway.
What the two-day pathway looks like
Day 1: consultation, subtype-specific HPV test, cytology, colposcopy with acetic-acid staining and, if indicated, biopsy. Day 2 (or same afternoon): review, and if a clear high-grade lesion is present, LEEP under local anaesthetic. Pathology follows within 5–7 working days.
What to bring from your UK doctor
Previous smear results, any prior colposcopy letters, and a summary of your medical history speed the consultation. If you have already had LEEP, please bring the histology report. Communication with your UK GP for follow-up smears is arranged before you fly home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have LEEP done on the same trip as the diagnosis?
Yes — a two- to three-day trip is usually enough for consultation, colposcopy, LEEP and initial recovery.
Is Istanbul safe to travel to for medical care?
Istanbul is a major international medical destination. Your consultation, the private hospital and transfers are all arranged in advance.
Will my UK GP accept the follow-up?
Yes — a full report in English is provided, and your test-of-cure smear at 6 months can be done through the NHS or repeated privately.
Could a doctor-led plan help you?
A 30-minute video consultation with Dr Berra Önsoy — reviewing your test results and giving you a clear, personalised next step.
Request a video consultation