The infertility rate in Kazakhstan remains steady at 16-17% among the reproductive-age population. At the 16th International Congress of the Kazakhstan Association of Reproductive Medicine, prominent reproductive specialist Vyacheslav Lokshin attributed this to sexually transmitted infections and abortions, affecting both men and women.

Lokshin highlighted that women are increasingly postponing childbirth, leading to a rise in hormone-dependent conditions like endometriosis. He stressed the importance of family planning, preventive care, and timely diagnosis. Women assessing their ovarian reserve by age 25 could better predict their reproductive future.

The average age for a first birth in Kazakhstan has reached 29, with many women having their second child after age 35, which impacts natural fertility. Lokshin noted that around 10-13% of women seek IVF after age 40, a stage where successful conception is challenging. Male infertility also poses a significant issue, with around 30% of men showing sperm abnormalities.

The demand for cryopreservation of eggs and sperm is growing as people delay marriage. Lokshin recommends that women consider freezing eggs before 35 to maintain high fertility potential. He also emphasized IVF as a critical tool for preserving fertility in cancer patients, allowing them the chance for future parenthood despite aggressive treatments.

Kazakhstan currently hosts 31 IVF centers, 28 of which are private. Since the introduction of IVF technology, approximately 39,000 children have been born through assisted reproduction in Kazakhstan.