Urinary catheters market is estimated to be valued at USD 5.83 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period (2024-2031). The growing geriatric population worldwide prone to urinary incontinence is a major driver for market growth. Furthermore, rising prevalence of urinary disorders like urinary tract infections and kidney diseases has increased the demand for effective urinary drainage with catheters.
Market Dynamics:
The global urinary catheters market growth is attributed to two major drivers, growing geriatric population globally and rising prevalence of urinary incontinence. With improved healthcare infrastructure and increased life expectancy, the number of elderly people aged 65 years or more is growing substantially. This age group is highly susceptible to urinary disorders that require catheterization. Additionally, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes that can damage the urinary system is on the rise. This has contributed to a higher number of people experiencing urinary incontinence issues. Both these drivers are expected to augment the demand for urinary catheters over the forecast period.
Increasing Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence is Driving the Market Growth
Urinary incontinence refers to the accidental loss of urine and is a very common problem, especially among the elderly population. It has been estimated that nearly 25-45% of the global adult population suffers from some form of urinary incontinence. The prevalence of urinary incontinence increases substantially with age. With a growing geriatric population worldwide, the cases of urinary incontinence are expected to rise significantly in the coming years. This high and rising patient pool is creating a strong demand for various urinary catheter products for effective management of incontinence.
Rising Number of Surgical Procedures Requiring Catheterization is Fueling the Market Growth
Another important driver for the urinary catheters market is the increasing number of surgical procedures that require catheterization post-surgery. Catheterization allows the drainage of urine from the bladder, helps monitor urine output, and prevents urinary retention and infection after surgery. There is a rising number of surgeries across various therapeutic areas like urology, gynecology, cardiac, orthopedics, and neurology worldwide which propels the demand for urinary catheters. Factors, such as the growing prevalence of target diseases, lifestyle changes, growing aging population, and advancements in surgical technologies, are contributing to the increasing surgical volume globally. This, in turn, is augmenting the uptake of urinary catheters in the post-operative care of such patients.
Cost Sensitivity Among Consumers Impedes the Market Growth
One of the major restraints for the urinary catheters market is the cost sensitivity among consumers. Catheterization is an ongoing process which requires the frequent replacement of catheters. This increases the cost burden on patients, especially those undergoing long-term catheterization. Intermittent catheters are single-use catheters requiring multiple purchases. Indwelling catheters also need periodic replacement. This high recurring expense associated with urinary catheters restricts their adoption. Patients in underdeveloped and developing countries often cannot afford expensive catheterization and rely on cheaper alternatives which hampers market revenues. Manufacturers face pricing pressures due to cost-sensitive markets which decreases their profit margins.
Risk of Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) Hinders Market Potential
The risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) is a significant barrier that limits the growth prospects of the urinary catheters market. CAUTIs are among the most common hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Catheterization disrupts the normal defense mechanisms of the urinary tract and urethra, making it susceptible to bacterial entry. This results in infections of the urinary system. CAUTIs significantly increase patient morbidity, lengthen hospital stays, and impose enormous healthcare costs. Their high and rising incidence creates a negative perception of catheters among patients, physicians, and regulators. This limits the use of catheters only to patients with real need, restraining the potential consumer base for catheters. Manufacturers face challenges to address this critical issue and expand their clientele.
Development of Advanced Antimicrobial Catheters Opens New Avenues
One of the major opportunities in the market is the development of technologically advanced antimicrobial urinary catheters. These catheters are coated or impregnated with antimicrobial agents like silver, minerals, or antibiotics to prevent bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on the catheter surface. This significantly reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Their ability to improve patient safety and minimize healthcare costs through reduced infection rates drives their adoption. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on such innovations to address a major market restraint and tap into the broader patient pool needing short- or long-term catheterization.
*Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/urinary-catheters-market-1198
Key Development
- In June 2023, Convatec Inc., a medical device company, announced the launch of GentleCath Air, a new compact intermittent catheter for women, which is designed for ultimate discretion, convenience, and comfort
- In February 2023, Coloplast Corp, a global healthcare company, announced that it had launched new intermittent catheter, Luja, which is designed to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections
- In July 2022, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of OT-Balloon Catheter, an intermittent urological catheter. OT-Balloon Catheter is a reusable catheter for use during self-catheterization for people who have difficulty urinating spontaneously for various reasons. The catheter is temporarily implanted in the bladder by inflating the balloon at the tip of the catheter during the night or when going out.
- In March 2021, Hollister Incorporated, a medical device company, launched the Infyna Chic intermittent catheter, designed to help provide women who use catheters with a high level of discretion
Key Players: B. Braun SE, Coloplast Group, BD, Cathetrix, Hollister Incorporated, Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, Bactiguard AB, Amecath, Urocare Products, Inc., Rocamed, Cook, Ribbel International Limited, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Affera, Inc., Potrero Medical, Ingenion Medical, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc.