A urinary catheter is a hollow, flexible tube used to collect urine from the urinary bladder and drain it through the pipe to an attached drainage bag. Catheters are generally prescribed by doctors when a patient has urinary dysfunction and cannot urinate without support. Clinical complications arise as urinary dysfunction builds up pressure in the kidneys. This pressure can lead to permanent damage, such as kidney failure. Mostly, catheters are necessary until the patient regains the ability to urinate without support, usually a short period of time. However, elderly people, as well as patients suffering from a permanent renal injury or illness, may need to use urinary catheters for as long as a lifetime.

The global urinary catheters market was valued at USD 1792 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a 4.1% CAGR during the forecast period.

Rising Occurrence of Diseases Targeting Urinary Tract

Urinary dysfunction can arise as clinical manifestations of several diseases. Thus, quite naturally, with the rise of chronic lifestyle and other disorders, urinary dysfunction is rising. Further, prevalence rates are higher in the elderly population where these catheters are used to manage incontinence, which otherwise cannot be treated or managed with medicines or surgery. The prevalence of urinary incontinence is further expected to grow due to the increasing incidence of obesity.

For instance, according to a report published in Urology Trends and Advances, Urinary Tract Infections and Urinary dysfunctions are among the most common health issues faced in the United States. The prevalence in women over 65  is approximated to 20%, complimenting the 11% prevalence in the overall population. 

The market is experiencing growth due to the rising occurrence of diseases like urinary dysfunction, bladder obstruction, urinary retention, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and bladder cancers. All of these conditions affect the urinary tract and therefore lead to urinary dysfunction. Additionally, neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and others leading to bladder dysfunction, also require catheter drainage. For instance, as per research published in the Asian Journal of urology, clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases among the aging population with a prevalence of BPH of 8%–60% at age 90 years.

Growing Demands for Medical Care and Increasing Indulgence of Healthcare Providers to Drive the Market

An increasing number of people are seeking medical care and surgical procedures for urinary disorders like urinary tract infection, prostate cancer, and others across the globe. Furthermore, a favorable reimbursement scenario for urinary catheters in many regions is acting as a crucial growth driver for the urinary catheters market. For instance, according to the Urology Care Foundation, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)is a severe health condition that affects a considerable number of people. The organization states that approximately 11 million people visit medical care facilities with urinary disorders each year.

Further, the growing geriatric population most likely to suffer from these complications is another vital boost to the market. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the geriatric population is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050.  

Global Urinary Catheters Market: Segmentation

Intermittent Catheters Segmentto Hold Substantial Market Share

The intermittent type has significant advantages over other types that justifies the market dominance. They are preferred over the indwelling and external type of products as the former effectively mimics the normal bladder functioning, there is no permanent catheterization, and, most importantly, reduced risk of infections mediated through catheters. Further, these products require repeated catheterization at a frequency of 4-5 times a day, thus takes care of day-long discomfort and precautions.

Additionally, the market products specific to these segments are commercialized at an affordable value, which appeals to patients from developing and underdeveloped nations. Also, favorable reimbursement policies for the usage of intermittent catheters are driving the segmental market growth. For instance, in September 2019, Bactiguard’s indwelling urinary catheters (Foleys) was awarded approval for reimbursement in the Netherlands (Europe).

Non-Invasive External Catheters to Observe Fast-Paced Growth

Further, during the forecast period, the external catheters segment is expected to attain a high CAGR. This predicted fast-paced growth within the segment is primarily attributed to the fact that these catheters are non-invasive in nature. For the past few years, more and more people have shown an inclination towards non-invasive means of therapy, which is expected to stand true in the market.

Coated Catheters Solve Discomfort and Side Effects Associated with Urinary Cathter Devices

Coated catheters hold a dominating market share to their name and are expected to continue their dominance during the forecast period. This is primarily because these catheters were designed to address a number of factors of discomfort and side effects associated with these devices' use. For example, coated catheters are designed to improve catheter lubrication and ease of insertion, which plays a significant role in reducing trauma and urinary tract infections. Further, one of the most common coatings used in these catheters is a hydrophilic coating. Research evidence has shown that single-use hydrophilic coated catheters can prevent some common catheter-associated complications, such as urethral trauma, catheter-associated infections, and others. According to the CDC, about75% of urinary tract infections are initiated through urinary catheters. Thus, these catheters are experiencing significant adoption in the market.

Increasing Incidences of Incontinence

The urinary incontinence segment dominates the urinary catheters market within the application segment. Further, during the forecast period, the segment is also expected to witness the highest CAGR. The impressive growth of this segment can primarily be attributed to the increasing incidence of urinary incontinence. Additionally, the growing geriatric population and the rising incidence of obesity are the two significant factors contributing cumulatively to the market segment. For instance, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity was estimated to be around 42.4% in 2018.

Moreover, the spinal cord injuries segment presently shows massive potential to attract significant market share. Patients with mild to severe spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are often diagnosed with an inability to urinate, supported, and relieved with intermittent catheters. Thus, the rise in the incidence of spinal cord injuries has led to an increase in the adoption of catheters; primarily, intermittent catheters, driving the segment’s growth. For instance, the National Spinal cord Injury Statistical Center, the U.S., estimates that there are approximately 54 cases per one million people in the United States, and around 17,700 new SCI cases each year.

Regional Overview

Prevalence of Urinary Dysfunction and Other Diseases in North America

The dominant position of North America can be analyzed by a number of significant factors. Some of these factors include the increasing prevalence of urinary dysfunction and other associated diseases in the region. The National Association of Incontinence states that 25 million adult Americans are currently suffering from any type of urinary incontinence, amongst which 75-80% are women. Further, about 17% of women and 16% of men over the age of 18 are diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB), and an approximate number of 12.2 million adults are suffering from urge incontinence.

Further, factors such as the growing geriatric population who extensively suffer from diseases that need catheter support positively influence the market. Moreover, key players in the region like Boston Scientific Corporation, Cardinal Health, Teleflex Incorporated certainly provide a home-state advantage to the region in terms of product availability and market penetration.

Asia-Pacific’s Improving Healthcare Infrastructure

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness an increase in the regional growth rate during the forecast period on account of the recent ongoing improvements in the region's healthcare infrastructure, specifically India, Japan, and China. The large population base in the region benefits the market players who are investing in these regions as they receive a vast customer base.

Further, there has been a directed focus of government authorities on improving healthcare facilities' conditions and advancing their health care services. This has boosted the segmental market as people and medical practitioners utilize these catheters as measures of therapy. Further, the presence of a huge number of elderly people who are potential patients and the rise of chronic diseases in the region are other factors that add to market growth.

Additionally, the rise in medical tourism in emerging economies like India and China has further allowed medical services to incorporate these products and created lucrative opportunity pockets in the region for market leaders.

Key Players

• Braun Melsungen AG (Germany)
• Boston Scientific Corporation (the U.S.)
• Coloplast Ltd. (Denmark)
• ConvaTec Inc. (the U.K.)
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (the U.S.)
• Cardinal Health (the U.S.)
• Teleflex Incorporated (the U.S.)
• Wellspect HealthCare (the U.S.)
• Degania Silicone Ltd. (Israel)
• Medical Technologies of Georgia (the U.S.)
• ROCAMED (Monaco)
• Well Lead Medical Co., Ltd. (China)
• Go Medical Industries Pvt. Ltd. (Australia)
• MANFRED SAUER GMBH (Germany)
• Ribbel International Limited (India).

Recent Developments

• In November 2019, CATHETRIX, a developer of urinary (Foley) smart catheter fixations, collaborated with Pro-Lab Diagnostics to distribute CATHETRIXS, an innovative catheter securement device in Canada, U.S., and the U.K.

Urinary Catheters Market: Segmentation

By Product

• Indwelling Catheters
• Intermittent Catheters
• External Catheters

By Type

• Coated Catheters
• Uncoated Catheters 

By Usage

• Male Urinary Catheters
• Female Urinary Catheters 

By Application

• Urinary Dysfunction
• Spinal Cord Injury
• General Surgery
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Other Applications

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Other End Users

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Central and South America and the Caribbean
• The Middle East and Africa