Surging Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence is the Driving the Intermittent Catheters Market
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the most common problem affecting a substantial global population. It results in occasional or minor leaking or uncontrolled chronic urination, in worse cases. The growing prevalence of obesity; the increasing geriatric population; and the rising incidence of chronic diseases such as prostate cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, and multiple sclerosis are among the prime risk factors for UI. Medical conditions such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, prostate enlargement, multiple sclerosis, and cancer, among others, may lead to UI in the geriatric population.
The economic burden of UI on healthcare systems grows with the surging elderly population across the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total population aged 60 and above was 1 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030. As per an article published by Mayo Clinic Health System in 2022, the uncontrolled leakage of urine is a common symptom that affects almost 50% of the elderly population. The prevalence of this condition increases with age, and it affects more women than men of any age; up to 75% of women over 65 suffer from urine leakage. Intermittent urinary catheters are inserted into the bladder of individuals through the urethra several times a day to carry urine out of their body; it is kept in the bladder for just long enough to drain it before removing it. By catheterizing themselves, people can gain better control over their bladder. Once the catheter is removed after the bladder is emptied, people can continue their daily activities without any hindrances or awkwardness. Thus, the rising prevalence of UI is driving the growth of the intermittent catheters market.
Intermittent Catheters Market: Regional Overview
Based on region, the intermittent catheters market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2023, North America held the largest market share. A surge in the geriatric population affected by various types of urinary diseases, favorable reimbursement policies for catheterization, an increase in the number of hospitals and clinics, and a rise in healthcare expenditure and technological developments are a few factors propelling the market growth in the region.
The intermittent catheters market in Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing focus of market players on developing novel products at affordable prices, the high adoption rate of urinary catheters in China and Japan, a progressive reimbursement scenario in Asian countries, a rise in healthcare infrastructure, and the significant prevalence of chronic kidney diseases are likely to offer growth opportunities to the market players in the coming years. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common urological complication reported in patients suffering from spinal cord injuries (SCI), leading to extended hospital stays, slow healing, and increased cost burden. According to an NIH analysis published in 2023, UTIs are more common in patients affected by SCIs in China than in individuals living across other medically developed countries. Furthermore, using clean intermittent catheterization led to a lower incidence of UTIs than urinary indwelling catheters (UIC) and suprapubic catheters (SPC). Moreover, most of the risk variables for UTIs in patients using clean intermittent catheterization were associated with its inconsistent usage.
Intermittent Catheters Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
The intermittent catheters marketreport emphasizes prominent players operating in the market; these include Coloplast Corp, Boston Scientific Corp, Hollister Inc, Teleflex Inc, Convatec Group Plc, Advin Health Care Pvt Ltd, Medical Technologies of Georgia Inc., Wellspect HealthCare, Cardinal Health Inc, and B Braun SE. Market players focus on expanding and diversifying their businesses, and acquiring novel customer bases, which allows them to explore attractive business opportunities prevailing in the intermittent catheters market. As per company press releases, a few recent developments are as follows:
• In April 2024, Wellspect HealthCare launched LoFric Origo Sleeve, extending its LoFric Origo catheter range. The product features a non-touch technique, including a thin cover that runs along the catheter tube. It forms a protective sleeve that allows for more hygienic handling.
• In December 2023, ConvaTec launched a compact intermittent catheter for women in France. GentleCath Air for Women is designed using the company’s next-generation FeelClean Technology that integrates hydrophilic properties into the material of the catheter, avoiding the sticking and tugging associated with some coated hydrophilic catheters. It is designed to minimize damage to the urethral mucosa, reduce discomfort and bleeding, and protect the first line of defense against UTIs.
• In November 2023, Coloplast, a leading intimate healthcare company, has announced its plans to invest ~700 million DKK in the establishment of a new manufacturing site in Portugal to support the company’s continued growth. The new manufacturing site will produce Coloplast’s intermittent catheters used by people experiencing urinary retention, which can be associated with spinal cord injuries or spina bifida as such patients are unable to empty their bladder independently. With the new site, Coloplast aims to meet the increasing global demand for intermittent catheters, with a specific emphasis on Europe, which is the company’s largest market, accounting for ~60% of its total sales.
• In March 2021, Hollister Inc. launched Infyna Chic intermittent catheter in the US market, adding to its existing portfolio that includes the VaPro and Onli intermittent catheter brands. The catheter is designed to offer women discretion.