Intracytoplasmic sperm injection

In Vitro Fertilization

Dealing with infertility can be discouraging and overwhelming, but today's fertility treatments are more effective than ever before.

At Houston Fertility Center, Dr. Sonja Kristiansen provides in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help you grow your family. 

Why should you consider undergoing IVF treatment at our Houston, TX, practice?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Why Trust Dr. Kristiansen  to Provide Your Treatment?

There are several important factors to consider when looking into fertility assistance. When choosing a physician or IVF facility, it is crucial to find a team that understands your concerns and has the means to help you achieve your goals.

We believe in providing a careful analysis that determines the surest way to help you realize your dreams of parenthood. This approach has made many hopeful parents' investment in family building something that rewards them for the rest of their lives. Dr. Kristiansen in Houston, TX, has the technology, the experience, and the compassion to help you realize your dreams. Request a consultation online or call:

(713) 225-5375

Dr. Sonja Kristiansen

"I Feel Extremely Blessed to Have Found Dr. K and Her Staff."

1

Caroline Sheehan

2020

Google logo

Dr K and her entire staff are a GOD SEND! I worked with Blanca and Mayra and they are both angels. I’ve had two miscarriages back to back and when i came to see Dr K i was extremely distraught and just wanted to find out what was wrong with me. She worked very closely with me to find out the root cause of my miscarriages. We ended up doing a medicated cycle and it worked the first round and in currently 7 weeks pregnant and have just graduated from her office to my regular OB’s. I feel extremely blessed to have found Dr K and her staff. I pray anyone reading this has the courage to seek help and treatment because it’s worth it!!! Thanks you Dr k! Thank you Blanca! Thank you Mayra! May god always bless you and your families. 

View On Google
1

Jackie Lowery

2019

Google logo

Dr. Kristiansen and her staff are amazing! If I could give more stars, I would. For my first appointment, I went by myself and Dr. Kristiansen was so warmly, and non judgmental on every question I’ve asked her. Every visit since then, my fiancé have gone with me and everytime, the staff would hold conversations with us and answer any and every question we’ve had. All of her staff is lovely and amazing, but there’s two women I have to give credit to. Mayra and the  phlebotomist. I don’t remember her name and I’m so sorry lol but those two ladies are heaven sent and I’m glad Dr. Kristiansen hired them. Her treatment plans work fast and she’s very affordable. I’m glad I’ve found her. Thank you❤️

View On Google

There are several factors that can determine your candidacy...

Qualifying  for IVF Treatment

In order to qualify for this treatment, the doctors at our Houston, Texas, fertility center will look at a number of factors:

Age

Age plays a major role in the potential for success with IVF.  As you age, the success rate decreases but remains above that of natural methods.

Months Spent Trying to Conceive

We typically recommend a fertility evaluation for patients under the age of 35 who have been trying to conceive for six to 12 months. If you are over 35, that time period is shortened to four to six months.

Previous Attempts

Dr. Kristiansen and her team rarely recommend this treatment as the first option for dealing with infertility. However, if you have tried other methods, such as artificial insemination and fertility medication, our Houston practice may recommend IVF.

Type of Fertility Issue

Not every patient can benefit from in vitro fertilization. We will recommend the most promising course of treatment for you based on your fertility evaluation.

When does our Houston practice recommend IVF?

How Do I Get Started? IVF Evaluation & Education

IVF Testing

Prior to preparing for an IVF cycle, we will review all necessary fertility tests to make sure you are a good candidate for this infertility treatment. For women, blood tests, a vaginal ultrasound, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) can reveal when poor ovarian reserve or quality, uterine or fallopian abnormalities, or blockages are present. For men, we will evaluate the results of your semen analysis. These tests can be performed by your primary care physician or at our facility in Houston, Texas. Once we review the results of your tests, we can determine if IVF is the appropriate treatment option for you.

Regulating Your Cycle

While it seems counterintuitive, we will prescribe a specific schedule involving the use of birth control or other medications that should be strictly followed in the month before your IVF cycle. This helps us regulate your cycle so we can more precisely coordinate your IVF treatment.

Mock Embryo Transfer 

The mock embryo transfer is performed prior to your IVF cycle so Dr. Kristiansen can map out the best route and the ideal placement for the embryo or embryos. During this step in the process, she will measure the length from the cervix to the ideal uterine location. This process also allows us to detect and address any potential problems, such as uterine fibroids, scar tissue on the cervix, or other infertility problems that may make the transfer more difficult, reduce the success of IVF, or increase the risk of miscarriage.

Medication Instructions

During your IVF cycle, you will be responsible for preparing and administering your fertility medications on the indicated days and times, in addition to using the correct dosages. To prepare you for this stage of the treatment process, we will meet with you at our Houston office to go over the uses of each medication so you are clear on your instructions and prepared to take these medications on schedule. We encourage patients to bring a trusted loved one to attend this instructional appointment.

Call Us On Day One of Your Cycle

It is critical that you call us on the first day of your period so we can start to schedule your appointments. Day one of the cycle is typically the morning that you wake up with full blood flow. If this occurs later in the afternoon or evening, the next day is typically considered day one. But don't hesitate to call us at the first sign of full flow so we can begin to coordinate your IVF schedule. While you can always contact us online at any time to ask a question or request a consultation, it is a good idea to reach us by phone on day one of your cycle:

"This Doctor is miracle worker, she worked very closely with my husband and I, she understood our concerns and stood with us through everything . Going through this process you need so much my support and Dr.K and her staff...were all very pleasant, positive and they really became part of our family...We ended up having a very successful IVF process and we are also having twins, it's such a blessing that I still can't believe it sometimes and I'm so thankful for everything they have all done to help my family grow. I really hope I didn't leave anyone out and if so I appreciate them as well , but if you want a doctor that really cares along with an awesome staff you are stopping at the right place!!" Sheena Robertson, 5-Star Review

How does IVF at Houston Fertility Center work?

Advanced Fertility Treatment

Our Houston practice takes a unique approach to IVF that leads to better results. We provide comprehensive treatment and compassionate care to each and every one of our patients. 

Timeline  for Standard IVF Treatment

Our own in-house, state-of-the-art laboratory makes treatment more affordable than treatment at other centers.

Start of Cycle

Our own in-house, state-of-the-art laboratory makes treatment more affordable than treatment at other centers.

Baseline Testing

Within the first three days of your cycle, we will want you to come to our office for a baseline ultrasound and blood test. These tests enable us to monitor the effects of the fertility medications in future appointments and help us determine exactly when the injection schedule should start.

Ovarian Stimulation

Hormone medications are injected for several days, stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. The development of these follicles is monitored through frequent vaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the follicles have matured to the appropriate size, a second hormonal injection stimulates the release of the egg into the fallopian tubes. 

Semen Processing

Shortly before egg retrieval, a semen sample will be collected and processed to isolate the strongest and most active sperm. These sperm will be placed with each aspirated egg. We strongly encourage patients to consider freezing a semen specimen several weeks in advance of the egg retrieval date. 

Egg Retrieval

Under light sedation, the doctor aspirates each mature follicle with a needle guided by ultrasound. The eggs are then passed on to the embryologist to identify and fertilize. At this stage, we can provide additional micromanipulation such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI involves an embryologist injecting a single sperm directly into a mature egg to increase the probability of fertilization. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is recommended if fertilization did not occur in previous IVF attempts.

Fertilization Evaluation

Fourteen to 18 hours after the sperm and egg are placed together, they are evaluated by the embryologist to confirm fertilization. If fertilization occurs, the zygotes (fertilized eggs) are cultured in preparation for embryo transfer. Continued observation will occur over the next few days after embryo transfer to determine the quality of the embryo. Depending on the number of fertilized eggs, some may be frozen for use at a later date.

Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is an optional step that involves opening a small hole in the outer embryo membrane known as the zona pellucida. This opening improves the ability of the embryo to leave its “shell” and implant into the uterine lining. Patients with a poor embryo growth rate, moderate to excessive cytoplasmic fragmentation, and prior failed IVF treatments may benefit from assisted hatching.

Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer involves the doctor placing a catheter that has been loaded with a selected number of embryos through the cervix and into the uterus. When possible, blastocyst transfers are done, which occur around day five of embryonic growth. With a blastocyst transfer, fewer and more mature embryos are transferred, increasing the chances of success and reducing the risk of multiple gestations above twins. 

"Other Doctors Told Us That It Wouldn't Happen, but we found success on our first round."

1

Winston Blakely

2019

Google logo

Dr Kristiansen changed our lives and everything is as it should be. Other doctors told us that it wouldn't happen, but we found success on our first round. We are truly blessed.

View On Google
1

Candice Loerch

2019

Google logo

The Dr. is great, compassionate and personable. The staff has been on point and always answers questions in a timely and professional manor.

View On Google

Don't Wait Contact Us Today

Contact us online to ask a question or request a consultation at our Houston practice. You can also reach us by phone:

Is IVF treatment successful?

We Are Successful When It Comes to Helping All Patients in Need 

The effective treatments offered by our Houston practice have resulted in very high fertility success rates among patients. 
"I want to start by saying that I am so beyond greatful to have found a Doctor and a office staff to help me through one of the hardest things I have every went through in my life mentally , physically , emotionally and especially spiritually. I am so greatful for the honesty and compassion that has always been shown by Dr. Kristiansen...We have had to talk about my options and sometimes with a heavy heart but let me say that Dr, kristiansen always made me feel like she truly cared and that means the world in those hard moments...She has pushed through with me and has celebrated with me when there was good news no matter how small the victory and so did all the nurses and other staff to and that touched my heart and meant so much to me having that support. I'm writing this before the end of my journey before I know if GOD is going to bless us with a miracle or not I am doing it because my feelings about my doctor and nurses here will not change no matter my outcome, rather my miracle happens or not I feel so blessed that GOD led me to such a amazing staff to walk through my journey with me. So if you are considering or have decided that IVF is for you , this is a absolutely amazing place and I recommend Dr. Kristiansen with my whole heart."

Understanding 
IVF Success Rates

Our effective in vitro fertilization treatments have resulted in very high fertility success rates. It is important that our patients in Houston and surrounding Texas regions understand how IVF centers measure success:

Average Success

Dr. Kristiansen's overall success compares very well nationally, particularly with patients over 35. It is important to note that the average patient without reproductive problems has only a 20 percent chance of pregnancy per cycle under ideal circumstances.

Why Statistics Alone are Misleading

Most patients understandably want to know the success rate for each doctor and facility. However, the statistics on IVF cycle success can be confusing and misleading at times. A very good facility and doctor may have average to good numbers compared to another’s excellent numbers. Some facilities and doctors prescreen patients and select only those with a high probability of reproductive success. While this allows certain clinics to maintain an excellent success rate, they may not necessarily be the best practice.

Why Our Success Is Different 

Our practice takes a wider range of patients with complicated reproductive issues such as previous failures, prolonged unexplained infertility, abnormal testing, and being over age 38. We strive to help patients who may have a lower chance of conceiving their own biological child achieve the family of their dreams. Our success is not just a reflection of our numbers, but also of our inclusivity and desire to serve patients who need our help the most. 

You can afford IVF at Houston Fertility Center...

Cost of an IVF Cycle 

Several factors can influence the number of IVF or INVOcell rounds hopeful parents require, including age, specific fertility issues, and the use of donor sperm or eggs.

To make in vitro fertilization treatment more accessible to our patients, we offer special pricing for standard IVF. We also offer INVOcell™, a variation on the standard IVF procedure, for $6,300.  

Schedule an appointment to take advantage of our current cycle rate before time runs out.

In addition to our already low standard pricing, the Houston Fertility Center offers discounted price packages for patients without in vitro fertilization insurance coverage, and we can bundle services at discounted rates. During a private consultation at our office serving Houston and surrounding areas, Dr. Kristiansen can explain IVF cost and what you can expect to pay for fertility treatment. 

Contact us online to ask a question or request a consultation at our Houston practice. We can discuss IVF costs with you in more detail.

You can also reach us by phone:

Infertility Services That Can Be Combined with IVF

3D rendering of ICSI

ICSI

For cases when sperm quality is poor or you have undergone multiple failed cycles, we may recommend IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). With this additional service, our lab technicians will inject a single sperm into each egg to improve the chances of fertilization.

Close up of test tube and a woman in the background

Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is an optional step that involves opening a small hole in the outer embryo membrane known as the zona pellucida. This opening improves the ability of the embryo to leave its “shell” and implant into the uterine lining. Patients with a poor embryo growth rate, moderate to excessive cytoplasmic fragmentation, and prior failed IVF treatments may benefit from assisted hatching.

Close up of scientist conducting PTD-M screening

PGT-A and PGT-M

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies, or PGT-A, formerly known as PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) tests for abnormal chromosome numbers, which make pregnancy less likely and increase the risk of miscarriage. It is recommended for recurrent miscarriage, multiple failed IVF cycles, and those over the age of 35.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders, or PGT-M, formerly known as PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) screens for inherited genetic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell, and Tay Sachs.

Both tests reveal the gender of the embryo.

Gay couple and child

Egg Donor

There are many issues that can make it more difficult or impossible for some people to have children on their own, but donor egg IVF can give you the opportunity to become a parent and grow your family.

Women that have poor egg quality or are unable to conceive on their own, gay couples, and single men that want to have a baby can use donor eggs during IVF. This process involves using eggs from a family member or friend, or choosing a donor from an egg donation database.

Single mother hugging new baby

Sperm Donor

There are also cases in which our patients require the use of a sperm donor to successfully conceive a child. Men with poor sperm quality or other infertility problems, lesbian couples, and single women that wish to have a child can use a sperm donor during the IVF process. Patients may choose to use a close friend as their sperm donor, or they may use a donor from a sperm bank.

Close up of surrogate mother and couple in the background

Surrogacy

During the IVF process, the embryo or embryos can be transferred to a surrogate, rather than the actual patient or egg donor. Surrogacy may be recommended for women that have good egg and embryo quality but are still unable to achieve pregnancy after the embryo or embryos are transferred to the uterus. In other cases, gay couples or single men can use a surrogate to help them have a child.

To find out if any of these additional services are right for you, contact us online to send a message or request a consultation at our Houston practice. You can also reach us by phone:
1

Kyran Colbert

2021

Google logo

Mayra! Thank you for being there through this journey! Thank you for listening! Thank you for every encouraging word! Thank you for answering every phone call and email! Thank you for holding my hand through this journey! Although I am not looking forward to another retrieval, I can not imagine this journey without you. I really appreciate you, Mayra. I believe that this next round with work itself out! We gone get this baby!

View on Google
1

Carla Anguiano

2018

Google logo

I was very pleased with this office. Prior to coming here I visited other fertility locations in Houston and I never felt welcomed. It was as if I was just a number to them and that was it. I got the run around about why i could not get a quote. When I came to Dr. Kristiansen it was different. The entire staff was very friendly and gave me so much information the I felt like I had all my questions answered. Including pricing. I will definitely be using Dr. Kristiansen for my treatment once my husband and I are ready.

View on Google

Time Is Running Out

Houston Fertility Center is the first clinic in Houston to offer INVOcell - a new, revolutionary and affordable treatment option for $6,300 per cycle!  Must meet eligibility requirements.  Medication costs vary depending upon the pharmacy. Schedule an appointment to take advantage of our current cycle rate before time runs out.

We are also proud to now offer Natural Cycle INVOcell, Reciprocal INVOcell and PGT with INVOcell. Call for details and schedule your consultation today to learn more.

Dr. Sonja Kristiansen

Houston Fertility Center

Dr. Sonja Kristiansen is the founder and Medical Director of Houston Fertility Center. She is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Infertility (REI) specialist who is proud to help hopeful parents fulfill their dreams of having children. Our center is affiliated with the:

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • Texas Medical Association

We provide convenient care for patients from greater Houston and visitors from out of town. For more information about our services, contact our office online or call (713) 225-5375 today.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite