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 this 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. Schedule a consultation online or call:

(713) 225-5375

Dr. Sonja Kristiansen
Dr. Sonja Kristiansen

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

1

Caroline Sheehan

2020

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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. 

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1

Jackie Lowery

2019

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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❤️

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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 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.

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. 

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. 

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

1

Winston Blakely

2019

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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.

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1

Candice Loerch

2019

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

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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 $9,400 with PGT.  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. 

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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