- Osteoporosis
- Medical Weight LossThese include weight loss, birth control pills, anti-androgen medication, Metformin (a medication to control type 2 diabetes), or fertility medications such as Clomid to help you ovulate regularly.
- Nutritional CounselingProper diet and exercise are important for ideal reproductive functioning. Women who are significantly overweight or underweight may have difficulty getting pregnant. Recognizing that nutrition plays an important role in reproduction we can refer you for nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian.
- Primary CareSome patients arrive at Houston Fertility Center with usable test results from their primary care OB/Gyn. Houston Fertility Center staff frequently collaborates with referring physicians from all over Texas, even for patients who choose IVF as their treatment.
- Male InfertilityFertility is often closely monitored, widely tested, and treated in women. But what happens when male infertility is the issue?
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Infectious DiseasesWe will screen each partner thoroughly to assess their overall health and screen for any genetic or infectious diseases. We will also review your medical histories.
- Irritable Bowel SyndromeBecause the symptoms of endometriosis can be nonexistent or mistaken for other conditions, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), it is often misdiagnosed.
- GynecologyR. El "Board" Americano de Obstetricia y Ginecología ("American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology") recomienda que pacientes por debajo de los 35 años de edad intenten concebir durante un año antes de buscar tratamiento de infertilidad. Pacientes entre los 35 y 39 años deben intentar concebir durante seis meses, y mujeres de 40 años o más deben esperar no más de tres meses. Hay algunas excepciones a estas recomendaciones. Pacientes que tienen irregularidades menstruales (ciclos de 35 días o más entre periodos), o que hayan tenido infecciones pélvicas tales como enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria (EPI) deben buscar consejo de su ginecólogo para obtener un referido más temprano.
- Female InfertilityThe first step for any fertility patient is to discuss common causes for female infertility with our doctors, and then assess specific, possible causes. At Houston Fertility Center in Houston, TX, we work with each patient and their insurance to determine the means of diagnostic testing that is both most cost-effective and beneficial to your treatment plan.
- ObstetricsDr. Kristiansen is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Infertility (REI) specialist. This means she has undergone years of specialized study and training in fertility and has passed the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology's written and oral exams.
- EndometriosisAn out-patient surgical procedure where a surgeon with advanced surgical skills and training in pelvic reconstruction inserts a mini-telescope into the abdomen to view the pelvic organs. Surgical instruments can be inserted with the mini-telescope to perform surgical removal of adhesions, cysts, endometriosis and to reconstruct pelvic structures such as the fallopian tubes that have been damaged, infected or tied in the past.
- Pelvic Pain
- PregnancyWomen diagnosed with luteal phase defect are most commonly treated with progesterone supplements. In many cases, extra progesterone can prevent loss of pregnancy when administered three days after ovulation. Timing is incredibly important, however, as beginning supplemental progesterone too early can increase the risk of a tubal pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial that you document your ovulation accurately.
- Labor and DeliveryI had many patients that had been through fertility treatment when I was a Labor & Delivery nurse. I found it very interesting and wanted to look into helping fertility patients. I found Dr. Kristiansen and saw how much she enjoyed what she does. I knew that I would be great at it too. I've been with Dr. Kristiansen and the Houston Fertility Center for almost 19 years.
- Testicular CancerDr. Kristiansen helps patients preserve fertility and start families. From saving healthy eggs to freezing sperm before testicular cancer treatment, she and her team may can help you.
- Ovarian CancerDepending on the type of cancer you have, the disease may directly impact your fertility. Ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and testicular cancer can be treated thanks to modern medicine, but they may cause infertility.
- Prostate Cancer
- Mental HealthWhen it comes to selecting the right egg donor, mental health is also an important factor that must be assessed in order to determine candidacy. Donors need to undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure they fully understand and can fulfill their role as the egg donor.
- Diabetes Care
- EndocrinologySonja B. Kristiansen, MD, board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Infertility specialist, has been in practice since 1994. Two years later, she founded Houston Infertility Clinic, serving as the facility's Medical Director. In 2009, Dr. Kristiansen renamed her practice to reflect a broader, more positive approach to reproductive endocrinology and the treatment of infertility: Houston Fertility Center.
- HypothyroidismIn contrast, women with low levels of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism typically experience irregular periods or are not able to ovulate at all. When there is no egg released from the ovaries, you cannot get pregnant.
- ThyroidFortunately, board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Infertility (REI) specialist Dr. Sonja B. Kristiansen can provide diagnosis and treatment for thyroid disorders and infertility. By reducing the effects that hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism has on your entire system, treatment at our Houston, TX, can restore your ability to conceive and grow your family.
- UltrasoundUpon receiving the diagnostic test results, your treatment plan will be determined. Again, a calendar with daily instructions will be provided stating when to begin administering your medications, when blood tests and vaginal ultrasounds that monitor follicle growth should be done and an approximate date that the IUI or IVF procedure would be done. Once again, you may opt to come to Houston for the entire treatment cycle or coordinate the early blood test and vaginal ultrasound exams with your local OB/GYN and return to Houston two to six days prior to the IUI or IVF procedure.
- ChemotherapyPremature ovarian failure (POF) occurs when your ovaries produce insufficient estrogen or are unable to release eggs regularly. This condition may be caused by several factors including genetic disorders or chemotherapy and often leads to infertility. At our Houston, TX, fertility center, Dr. Sonja Kristiansen can help you determine whether premature ovarian failure is the reason you are unable to conceive as well as provide advanced infertility solutions to help you overcome this challenge. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kristiansen can help you achieve your dreams of growing your family.
- Radiation TherapyWhile cancer treatment can be truly life-saving, it also may come with substantial ramifications to your fertility. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy may each influence your reproductive organs.
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryOn some occasions, we will perform this minimally invasive surgery to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. The doctor will make a small incision and insert a thin viewing device beneath the navel. A laparoscopy can identify endometriosis, scarring, and other irregularities in the reproductive system.
- VasectomyLow sperm production caused by retrograde ejaculation, a reversed vasectomy, and other factors may be improved with male fertility supplements, which can be purchased in most health food stores. This treatment method is often combined with more extensive treatments to yield better results.
- HysterectomySome doctors believe that endometrial cells may attach to the surgical incision following a hysterectomy, C-section, or other surgery.
- LaparoscopyAdhesiolysis is the surgical removal of adhesions, usually during an out-patient Laparoscopy procedure. Adhesions are scar tissue that forms around reproductive organs following a previous surgery, infection or injury.
- Cyst
- LesionsFew lesions are found on your organs or the tissue lining the abdomen and pelvis. Little to no scar tissue is present.