Increase in Number of Patients Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, etc. Drives Market Growth

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects cognitive, emotional, motor, sensory, or visual functions. It occurs when a person’s immune system attacks their brain and spinal cord. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.8 million people were reported to have had multiple sclerosis globally in 2023.

A spinal cord injury can disrupt communication between the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, and the brain, resulting in incontinence. Thus, individuals with spinal cord injuries require continence care products to manage their bladder and bowel functions. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates, approximately 302,000 people with spinal cord injuries in the US were recorded in 2023, and nearly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries are recorded each year.

Therefore, the increasing number of patients with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis etc. is fueling the market growth.

Market Opportunity

Opportunities in Emerging Markets

The need for continence care products is rising due to the growing number of elderly people across the world. Additionally, increasing healthcare and personal hygiene awareness in developing nations fosters a conducive environment for the uptake of continence care products. By working together, local healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies can improve distribution networks and expand the reach of products for continence care into underserved areas. For instance, in May 2023, India’s first “slim” disposable absorbent diaper, UltraThinz, was introduced by Friends, the top-ranked adult diaper brand in India and the flagship brand of the massive Indian diaper company Nobel Hygiene Pvt Ltd. This new product is intended especially for younger users who have light incontinence as a result of obesity, problems with their prostates, or postpartum incontinence.

The market for continence care in developing nations presents businesses with encouraging prospects if they strategically handle specific difficulties and requirements of these developing markets. Thus, the opportunities in developing countries can contribute to the continence care market growth in the coming years.

Continence Care Market: Geographic Overview

Geographically, the continence care market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2022, Europe accounted for the largest continence care market share. The presence of key players with a significant product portfolio will likely drive the region’s market growth. For instance, in October 2020, Essity launched a new, reusable digital sensor called TENA SmartCare, designed to provide better incontinence care.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030. The continence care market in Asia Pacific is experiencing notable growth. The need for products and services related to continence care has increased in many Asia Pacific countries due to the growing elderly population, which increases the prevalence of incontinence. Initiatives to address healthcare issues, such as incontinence management, are being implemented by governments in Asia Pacific, which presents growth opportunities for the market.

Continence Care Industry Developments:

As per company press releases, a few strategic developments by leading players operating in the continence care market are listed below:

• In January 2024, Axonics, Inc. (a publicly traded medical technology company primarily focused on developing and commercializing differentiated devices to treat bowel and urinary dysfunction) and Boston Scientific Corporation announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the latter. The US FDA approved Axonics’ fourth-generation Axonics R20 neurostimulator in January 2023. This rechargeable SNM device has a battery life of at least 20 years. Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System, a treatment for female stress urinary incontinence, is another product in the company’s portfolio.
• In October 2023, Renew Medical Inc. and Renew Medical UK Limited, a US and UK continence product manufacturer, sold the Aquaflush transanal irrigation business to Clinisupplies Limited, a leading manufacturer and supplier of consumables for continence care. Clinisupplies is a leading direct-to-consumer chronic care company in the UK that provides nursing services and continence care products to support the National Health Service (NHS). It is strengthening its position by integrating rapidly growing businesses. The mission of Clinisupplies is to provide products and services that enable individuals with incontinence issues to live more freely, which is a perfect fit for the Aquaflush business.
• In December 2022, Peak Medical, Ltd., a UK-based company specializing in patient continence care, partnered with NanoVibronix, Inc. This medical device company uses its patented low-intensity surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. This partnership allowed a business to offer NHS hospitals and communities across the UK first-rate catheter and continence care products and services.

Continence Care Market: Competitive Landscape

The continence care market analysis is carried out by identifying and evaluating key players in the market across different regions. Hollister Incorporated, Coloplast, Alcare Co., Ltd., B. Braun SE, Convatec Inc, Cardinal Health, Boston Scientific Corporation, Essity, PAUL HARTMANN AG, and Kimberly-Clark Corporation are the prominent players profiled in the continence care market report. These companies focus on introducing new technologies, upgrading existing products, and undertaking geographic expansions to be able to address the globally increasing consumer demand.