Do you need a referral for endometrial receptivity testing?

Endometrial receptivity testing examines a sample from the uterine lining to help a fertility team discuss when the lining may be receptive to embryo implantation. A reproductive-medicine specialist decides whether the test could add useful information in your treatment plan. The service may request details of previous embryo transfers, medicines, cycle timing, uterine conditions, and laboratory records. A referral helps coordinate these details, but it does not by itself show that the test is needed or predict an individual treatment outcome.

Ask the testing provider whether you can self-refer, whether your fertility specialist must order the test, and which records are needed. Confirm how the cycle is prepared, how the sample is collected, when results are expected, and how the findings would change the timing or medication plan. Tell the team about bleeding, irregular cycles, infections, medicines, allergies, and previous uterine procedures. Understanding the purpose of the test can help you weigh its practical demands with your clinician.

Seek prompt advice for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, fainting, or breathing difficulty after sampling or fertility treatment. Contact the fertility team before testing if you develop an infection, begin a new medicine, or cannot follow the planned cycle schedule. Urgent symptoms should be assessed promptly rather than waiting for test results or a referral.

Ask: Is a referral needed for this test? What question is it intended to answer? How will the sample be collected? What could change after the result? Are there alternatives if the test is not recommended for me?