Contraceptive Drugs Market

Market Overview

The global contraceptive drugs market size was valued at USD 14.32 billion in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 28.96 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period (2022–2030).

Contraception includes the use of drugs to prevent pregnancy, the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), family planning, and birth control. The use of contraceptive drugs and emergency contraceptives, particularly among adolescents, and an increase in awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are the primary factors responsible for expanding the global market for contraceptive drugs.

The demand for contraceptives, particularly in developed regions, has been driven by the growing acceptance of oral contraceptives as an effective method of birth control and the increase in their popularity. Additionally, an increase in the awareness of contemporary contraceptive drugs in developing economies has been a significant contributor to the expansion of the global market.

Market Dynamics

Global Contraceptive Drugs Market Drivers

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies to Drive Market

The poor and low-income population is disproportionately represented in the overall rate of unintended pregnancies worldwide. Using traditional methods to avoid becoming pregnant is one of the primary factors contributing to this prevalence. Additionally, as a consequence, unsafe abortions and mothers' deaths occur annually. The risk of maternal death is increased by four among adolescents younger than 16 years of age in Latin America compared to the risk faced by women in their twenties.

Therefore, the use of contraceptive drugs is a significant contributor to reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancies. In addition to governmental organizations, several non-profit organizations run various campaigns and programs to raise education and awareness about the application of contraceptive drugs. The market is anticipated to grow by the steps taken by people to reduce unintended pregnancies worldwide.

Growing Initiatives by Government and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to Propel Growth

Continuous population growth and an increase in the prevalence of STDs have compelled government agencies to implement stringent birth control measures. Several government and non-governmental organizations have launched various family planning and birth control initiatives. Organizations such as reproductive health management societies, family planning foundations, gynecologist sections, and birth control associations have initiated beneficiary programs about correct and appropriate contraceptives.

In addition, they disseminate information on various contraceptive methods available on the market, regardless of the users' gender, marital status, or sexual activity. These programs are provided to women in rural areas who are illiterate, low-income, and do not have access to healthcare facilities. Due to a rise in awareness regarding several contraceptives, especially emergency contraceptives, people are now well-informed about the appropriate use of contraceptive drugs. Greater awareness of contraceptives can assist women and families in preserving their health.

Every year on September 26th, market participants such as Bayer Healthcare organize World Contraception Day with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to raise awareness about population growth and the benefits of using contraception. The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has undertaken numerous initiatives to reduce unintended pregnancies by approving numerous contraceptive products. Pathfinder and other non-governmental organizations have implemented contraception programs in over a hundred countries. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have consistently advocated for women's reproductive health rights, including the Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, Population Health Services India, and Population Services International.

Global Contraceptive Drugs Market Restraint

Lack of Social Acceptance to Hinder Market Growth

For instance, in India, different religions like Christianity believe that the concept of contraception originates from church teachings rather than scripture. On the other hand, there is no prohibition against using birth control in Hinduism. Therefore, numerous superstitious beliefs regarding the utilization of contraceptive methods have a detrimental effect on expanding the market for contraceptive drugs. The ethnic and cultural diversity varies geographically with changing attitudes toward contraception and fertility issues. The market's growth has been further hampered by factors such as the social stigma attached to buying oral contraceptive pills and inaccurate information. On the other hand, it is anticipated that the impact of this factor will lessen in the not-too-distant future due to an increase in the awareness of the advantages of contraceptive drugs brought about by various organizations.

Global Contraceptive Drugs Market Opportunities

Developing Countries' Rising Disposable Income and Unmet Contraceptive Needs to Boost Market Opportunities

The rise in the median household income and a greater emphasis on leading a healthy lifestyle have contributed to increased life expectancy. People are primarily focusing on leading a disease-free lifestyle and have developed health consciousness, both of which have led to an increase in the adoption of contraceptive drugs due to the increased awareness of various diseases such as AIDS and several STDs. In addition, an increase in disposable income has been shown to impact the adoption of contraceptive drugs significantly. In recent years, there has been an increase in spending on contraceptive drugs and preventative measures due to increased awareness of contemporary methods of contraception. In addition, a sizeable portion of the population in developing nations like South Africa is confronted with insufficient access to medical facilities and resources, such as a lack of contraceptive medications. Therefore, this paves the way for lucrative opportunities for market players in developing countries to invest in contraceptive development programs and provide access to these contraceptive drugs for all of the population.

Regional Analysis

The global contraceptive drugs market is divided into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America was the highest revenue contributor to the global contraceptive drugs market share and is estimated to reach USD 10.17 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. The rates of contraceptive use in this region have not changed significantly over the past few years, and it is anticipated that these rates will continue to fall over the next few years.

Despite this, the region has the highest prevalence of the use of contraceptives at present. Pills, injectables, and patches are just some of the effective contraceptive options that are very popular in this part of the world. It is anticipated that after the United States, Europe will hold the second-leading position on the global market for contraceptive drugs.

Segmental Analysis

The global contraceptive drugs market growth is segmented by product, age group, and end-user.

On the Basis of Product

Based on product, the global contraceptive drugs market is divided into oral contraceptives, oral pills, topical contraceptives, and injectable contraceptives.

The oral contraceptive pills segment is the highest contributor to the market, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The introduction of several new oral contraceptive pills and the subsequent approval of these products have had a sizeable impact on the expansion of the market over the past few years. In addition, Plan B is one-step emergency contraception sold over the counter and is accessible to people of any age. Therefore, awareness regarding the application of pills, ease of availability, affordability, and user-friendliness are anticipated factors to drive the overall market growth. Injectable contraceptives currently hold the position of being the second most popular form of birth control.

As a result of the surge in the adoption of injections to prevent unwanted pregnancy, it is anticipated that the segment will grow at the highest CAGR during the period under consideration. Injections are generally intended to be used as a method of contraception once every two to three weeks, which is one of the reasons why this method is so standard among women of working age. Additionally, the abundant goods available on the market will probably support that marketplace's development.

On the Basis of Age Group

Based on the age group, the global contraceptive drugs market is divided into 15-24 years, 25-34 years, 35-44 years, and 45 years.

The 15-24 years segment is the highest contributor to the market, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Premarital and unplanned pregnancy have increased concerns about adolescent sexual activity, specifically premarital and unplanned pregnancy, which frequently results in early termination of education or abortion, both of which carry risks and costs. According to additional research, women of this age group have been found to have a higher propensity to use oral contraceptive drugs. The consumption of contraceptives, particularly pills, is highest among the age group, propelling market growth considerably. The 25-34 comprises married women of reproductive age, making up a sizeable portion of the population that requires assistance with family planning. This is the most critical factor driving the expansion of the market for contraceptive drugs.

On the Basis of End-User

Based on the end-user, the global contraceptive drugs market is divided into homecare, clinics, and hospitals.

The home care segment is the highest contributor to the market, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Oral contraceptives, topical contraceptives, and contraceptive patches are the types recommended for use in the privacy of one's home. These contraceptives help reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Within the global market for contraceptive drugs, the homecare submarket was responsible for the largest share of the revenue. This can be attributed to increased home contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In multispecialty hospitals, contraceptive drugs are injectable contraceptives and other contraceptive devices. Most hospitals offer permanent methods, including male and female sterilization. In addition, STI medications are readily accessible in hospitals, which drives the expansion of the hospital segment.

Recent Developments

• May 2022- GSK acquired clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Affinivax, Inc. GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Affinivax, Inc. (Affinivax), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Boston, Massachusetts.
• May 2022- NetVation DL Medicine Announced Research Collaboration with Pfizer Inc. NetVation DL Medicine (“DL Medicine”), a privately held biotechnology company based in Chengdu, China, and focused on the discovery and development of novel drug candidates, announced that it has entered into a two-year research collaboration with Pfizer Inc.
• March 2022- Agile therapeutics partnered with award-winning director Maya Albanese on the first twirl commercial, targeting gen Z. Agile Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGRX), a women’s healthcare company, announced the launch of its first consumer commercial intended to increase awareness of the Twirla weekly birth control patch.