REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES AMONG ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG MALE POPULATIONS. PART I

Abstract

Introduction: Male reproductive health is a critical component of demographic stability and public well-being. Contemporary epidemiological studies indicate a decline in male fertility, with adolescence and early adulthood representing a particularly vulnerable period for the development of reproductive potential. Insufficient awareness, social barriers, and limited access to specialized care exacerbate the risks to male health. Objective: To identify key factors influencing the reproductive health of adolescent and young males, with a focus on prevention and early correction of disorders. Search strategy: Following the identification of core keywords and their synonyms, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using international (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase) and national (Cyberleninka, e-Library) scientific databases, covering publications from the past ten years. Selected sources were evaluated for citation frequency, and abstracts were assessed for thematic relevance. Full texts of studies meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved for detailed analytical review. Inclusion criteria comprised thematic relevance, publication language (English or Russian), year of publication (from 2015 onward), and coverage of various study types — including original research, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical guidelines, monographs, and conference proceedings. Results and Conclusion: In recent decades, Kazakhstan has seen a steady increase in the prevalence of male reproductive disorders, including erectile dysfunction, infertility, and hormonal imbalances. According to a national screening of 25,000 men, ED was identified in 56.3%, reproductive disorders in 30.4%, and STIs in 42.4% of cases. Among adolescents, urological pathologies were detected in 90.3% of cases, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis. National studies further revealed that over 50% of men in both urban and rural areas experience symptoms of androgen deficiency and sexual dysfunction. Despite the implementation of the state program "Men and Reproductive Health," population coverage remains fragmented, and the need for systematic andrological care continues to grow.