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?

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

"They don’t treat you like a business. It’s very personal." Hear From Patients Just Like You

1

Vicky Montenegro

Houston, TX

2023

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I love this place and Dr. K has a high success rate. This is why I initially went to her clinic. They don’t treat you like a business but it’s very personal. I was successful on my first IVF attempt and had a healthy baby girl. I will be using her for my next baby when I’m able. Highly recommended.

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Karina Dovalina

Houston, TX

2023

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My nurse Mayra Lopez was the absolute best! Sweet, easy to talk to and made my day of embryo transfer feel stress free. Thank you Mayra for all your kindness ❤️

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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:

The Patient's 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 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:

"I Definitely want to thank Houston Fertility clinic. Y’all made our dreams come true. I couldn’t thank y’all enough we are obsessed with our baby girl . Anyone who is trying to conceive, I would definitely recommend them."
Dave Bertrand, 5-Star Review

Advanced Fertility Treatment How does IVF at Houston Fertility Center work?

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. 

"We definitely recommend Houston Fertility Center."

1

Diana B

Houston, TX

2023

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Dr. Kristiansen and all the staff are great. We went in for a RIVF consultation and due to the way they treated us and made us feel we decided to begin the process as soon as we were able to. We will always be thankful to Dr. Kristiansen, Blanca, Melissa and especially Mayra they are all amazing, they helped us with our thousand questions and doubts and when we felt discouraged they kept our spirits up. Thanks to them we are now expecting our precious baby girl. We definitely recommend Houston Fertility Center.

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Celeste Garcia

Houston, TX

2023

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I love this place the nurses definitely put alot of definition into this clinic. Without them and their kindness I probably wouldn't have made it mentally. Anytime I had a question they answered whether through phone call or email. It was the best!.. Thank you to Blanca and Mayra for making this the best experience for me! I'll be seeing yall again in another year or 2. ❤️

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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:

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. 
"Dear Dr. Sonja Kristiansen and staff, words cannot express our happiness and the joy you have brought to our lives! thank you for all your kindness and caring during our invoke cell procedure, you helped us make our dream come true. We have the sweetest little boy now and are truly blessed each day. The entire experience was so very amazing, you are a great doctor with awesome staff that makes each person feel like an individual. You found a way to make a stressful situation a personal, rewarding one.

Our baby is now 14 weeks old and doing wonderful! You are such a great doctor and kind-hearted person. Words cannot express how much you mean to us."
angy quezada

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. 

Cost of an IVF Cycle  You can afford IVF at Houston Fertility Center

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 $6,600.  

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:

" The most amazing, caring, and genuine group of people you could ask for."

1

Kristina Lesniak

Houston, TX

2021

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Going through infertility is one of the most difficult things a family could go through. Dr. Kristiansen and her staff, Melissa, Mayra, Blanca and Lana helped to ensure the most positive experience. They were always professional and friendly and I always felt like I could call them anytime with all my questions (which I did). They never made me feel like I was just a patient or a number they always made me feel special. We did 2 IUI’s before switching clinics to Dr. Kristiansen and we are so grateful we did. We started with Invocell IVF. We got 2 embryos but were not successful with the transfer. We didn’t give up and Dr. K and staff were very supportive along the way. We then did IVF and got 4 embryos. First transfer was not successful. Dr. Kristiansen worked with us to come up with a plan that would work for us. We did more tests and more tests. Our last transfer was finally successful due to Dr. K and her staff’s amazing collaboration, communication and hard work is what I believe helped to make out final transfer a success. I know that Dr. K and her staff believe that our success is their success. Dr. K and her staff were the only positive things about the grueling journey through infertility.

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Andreana Uribe

Houston, TX

2022

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Well where to being, Dr.K , Lana , Michelle , and all the rest of the team here are the most amazing, caring, and genuine group of people you could ask for. Especially when dealing with such an emotional experience such as infertility. Their facility is extremely clean, the girls are always smiling and helpful with any questions you need answered and from the very beginning of the process they provide you all the information up front! From start to finish the team will be there, you can’t ask for anything more in my opinion. I did Invocell here and just recently had my baby boy from the frozen transfer where we transferred two embryos. I am so grateful to this clinic because without them and God my miracle child wouldn’t be here! Thank you again this amazing office for all that you do and did to help me and my husband! if your considering it , I highly recommend you set up a consultation you won’t regret it . And in fact you’ll see why so many people choose this office. I will be back to expand our family once our son is about a year old :)

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Time Is Running Out

Houston Fertility Center is the first clinic in Houston to offer INVOcell - a revolutionary and affordable treatment option for $6,600 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 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.

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