Do you need a referral for IUI?

IUI places prepared sperm inside the uterus around ovulation. Before treatment, a clinician may review your menstrual history, fertility goals, medicines, previous pregnancies, and any relevant test results. A direct appointment with a fertility service may be possible, while another clinic may ask your family doctor or gynaecologist to refer you. A referral is an administrative route; it does not decide whether IUI is suitable.

Contact the clinic you are considering and ask whether self-booking is accepted. Check whether they want a referral letter, partner information, imaging or laboratory reports, and details of current medicines. If you already see a gynaecologist or fertility clinician, request a summary of your assessment. The clinic can explain which appointments must happen before an IUI cycle and how referrals are handled in your care pathway.

Arrange a medical review if you are having difficulty conceiving, have very irregular or absent periods, severe pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, or a known condition that may affect fertility. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or breathing difficulty. These symptoms need assessment regardless of whether you have a referral.

Ask: Can I book directly, or do you need a referral? What records and tests should I bring? Who will coordinate monitoring and medicines? What happens if I need a different fertility treatment?