Doctor, my 12 eggs were paired into 8 embryos, but after being fertilized, there are only 3 left. Is it because my laboratory skills are not up to par and my embryos have been 'fertilized'

In the consultation room of Tulip International Reproductive Center, we encounter such questions and heartache almost every day. As one of the most critical and controversial aspects of assisted reproduction, the decision to "raise a pouch" has touched the hearts of countless expectant parents.

Today, we will completely tear open the mysterious veil of "nourishing the bag" and use the most scientific logic and authentic cases to reveal 5 truths that determine success or failure for you. By understanding these, you will no longer be confused and anxious when making decisions.

【1】 What is' nourishing bag '?

Firstly, we need to clearly define two concepts:

【1】 Cleavage stage embryo (3rd day embryo): After fertilization, it usually develops into an early embryo consisting of 6-10 cells when cultured in the laboratory until the 3rd day. At this point, transplantation can be carried out.

【2】 Embryos (5th/6th day embryos): If D3 embryos are further cultured in a specific culture medium for 2-3 days, they will undergo a critical "genome activation" process and eventually develop into blastocysts with hundreds of cells and more complex structures. The process from D3 to D5/D6 is called 'nourishing the bladder'.

The essence of "nourishing the bladder" is a screening process that simulates the natural environment's survival of the fittest. Only embryos with the strongest developmental potential and the healthiest genetic level can break through numerous obstacles and ultimately form blastocysts.

【2】 Nourishing Bags: 5 Truths Analysis

Truth 1: Raising embryos is not about "raising dead" embryos, but about identifying those that are "destined not to survive"

Seeing a sharp decrease in the number of embryos is the most heartbreaking moment for every patient. But the scientific fact is that the vast majority of embryos that stop developing during the process of culturing are due to their own serious chromosomal abnormalities or developmental defects.

Even if you choose to transplant them back into the uterus on the third day, it is almost impossible for them to implant or for biochemical pregnancy and early miscarriage to occur quickly after implantation. Nourishing the uterus is simply advancing the process of "natural selection" from your precious uterus to a laboratory culture dish.

Truth 2: The success rate of blastocyst transfer is indeed higher, but where is the "high"?

A large amount of clinical data worldwide shows that the success rate of transferring a single high-quality blastocyst is significantly higher than that of a single high-quality D3 embryo. Taking the data from Tulip International Reproductive Center in 2025 as an example, the clinical pregnancy rate of patients under 35 years old who undergo a single high-quality blastocyst transfer can reach over 65%, while the clinical pregnancy rate of a single high-quality D3 embryo is about 45% -50%.

The core reason for higher success rate:

【1】 Higher implantation potential: The blastocyst has been tested for a longer period of time, proving its strong developmental potential.

【2】 More synchronized with the endometrium: In natural pregnancy, the embryo also arrives in the uterine cavity in the form of a blastocyst on day 5-6 to prepare for implantation. Embryo transfer is more in line with physiological rhythms.

【3】 Reduce the impact of uterine contractions: D3 embryos need to be free in the uterine cavity for a few days after transplantation before implantation, making them more susceptible to the effects of uterine contractions.

Truth Three: Who is the best candidate for "raising a bag"?

Although 'nourishing bags' is good, it is not suitable for everyone. The following types of patients are the biggest beneficiaries of the "nourishing the bladder" strategy:

【1】 Adequate number of embryos: This is the most basic condition. Usually, patients with a high number of retrieved eggs (such as ≥ 12) and a high number of high-quality D3 embryos (such as ≥ 5) have sufficient "capital" to compete for embryo screening.

【2】 Those who need to undergo PGT (third-generation test tube): This is the population who must have a gestational sac. Because embryo biopsy technology needs to be performed at the blastocyst stage to ensure safety and accuracy.

【3】 Repeated implantation failure (RIF): For patients who have undergone 2-3 high-quality D3 embryo transfers but have not yet implanted, it is highly suspected that there is a problem with the embryonic development potential. Screening through nourishing cysts is an important diagnostic and therapeutic step.

【4】 Expecting single embryo transfer to avoid twin pregnancies: For women who cannot afford the risk of twin pregnancies due to physical reasons such as scarred uterus, short stature, etc., transferring a single high-quality blastocyst is the best way to achieve "healthy single live birth".

Truth 4: Who should carefully consider? Forcefully raising a bag may result in a 'shortage of both people and wealth'

【1】 Patients with rare embryo numbers, especially those with only 1-3 D3 embryos. At this moment, every embryo is extremely precious. Forcefully raising cysts may face the huge risk of "complete annihilation" and having no embryos to move.

【2】 Elderly patients (especially those aged ≥ 38): The rate of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos of elderly women is extremely high, leading to a corresponding increase in the "breakage rate" of the embryo sac.

【3】 For those who have a history of repeated failed blastocyst retrieval: If D3 embryos with acceptable quality have failed to develop into blastocysts in previous cycles, this may indicate the presence of deep quality issues with the egg or sperm, requiring reassessment of the treatment plan rather than simple repetition.

Truth 5: The success of nourishing the bladder is half in you and half in the laboratory

The quality of your embryo is the internal factor, while the technical level and environment of the embryology laboratory are the decisive external factors. A top-notch laboratory, with its culture medium formula, temperature, humidity, and gas concentration control in the incubator, as well as the operational experience of embryologists, can significantly improve the formation rate of blastocysts.

At Tulip International Reproductive Center, we have a world-class embryology laboratory with an overall blastocyst formation rate (D3 high-quality embryo to blastocyst conversion rate) stable at over 60%, leading the industry.

Tulip International Reproductive Center Warm Reminder

'Raising cysts' is not a black-and-white multiple-choice question, but a highly individualized medical decision that requires you and your attending physician to make based on factors such as your age, ovarian function, embryo quantity and quality. Please fully trust your doctor, they will weigh the pros and cons and develop the most suitable plan for you.

For fertility consultation in Kyrgyzstan, please contact your dedicated consultant

/Fertility Consultation /

Dr.Chan

Copy and add: Tulip_EnoChan

Or long press/scan the QR code to add

Tulip International Fertility Center

Technology aids fertility, fulfilling dreams for countless families