Do you need a referral for egg freezing?

A referral is a request from a doctor or another authorised clinician for you to see a fertility specialist. Some clinics accept self-referrals and arrange an appointment directly; others use referral pathways to confirm your medical history, identify relevant conditions, or meet local administrative requirements. A referral does not decide whether egg freezing is suitable. The reproductive-medicine team makes that decision after discussing ovarian reserve, cycle history, medicines, health conditions, and your goals.

Contact the clinic you are considering and ask whether it accepts self-referrals, which clinician can refer you, and what records to bring. Gather details about your menstrual cycles, previous pelvic procedures, current medicines, allergies, and any fertility tests. During the consultation, ask about ovarian stimulation, monitoring, egg collection, storage arrangements, and what happens if you later want to use the eggs. The clinic can also explain consent forms and any requirements that apply to your circumstances.

Seek prompt medical advice for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, breathing difficulty, or marked abdominal swelling after fertility medicines or egg collection. These symptoms need assessment regardless of whether a referral was required. Before starting treatment, tell the fertility team about irregular periods, a history of ovarian cysts, previous surgery, or a condition that could affect anaesthesia or stimulation.

Ask: Can I book directly, or do I need a referral? Which records should my referring clinician send? What tests are needed before stimulation? How will my medicines and health conditions change the plan? Who should I contact if symptoms occur after treatment?