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referral criteria for infertility

Clinical answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP.

Posted: 9 August 2025Updated: 9 August 2025 Clinically Reviewed

The referral criteria for infertility assessment and management include:

  • Women who have not conceived after 1 year of unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse, in the absence of any known cause of infertility, should be offered further clinical assessment and investigation along with her partner .
  • Women who are using artificial insemination to conceive should be offered further assessment if they have not conceived after 6 cycles of treatment, in the absence of known cause .
  • Early referral for specialist consultation should be considered if the woman is aged 36 years or over or if there is a known clinical cause or predisposing factors for infertility .
  • Men with abnormal semen analysis results, specifically two abnormal results, should be referred for further assessment .
  • Couples where initial investigations are normal but conception has not occurred after 1 year should be considered for referral, especially if the woman is under 36 years old .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.