The global urinary catheters market was valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2022, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by several key factors, including an increase in the number of patients experiencing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and blockages in the urethra. Additionally, rising incidences of tumors affecting the urinary tract or reproductive organs, coupled with the rapidly aging global population, are also contributing to the expansion of the market. A urinary catheter is a partially flexible tube designed to drain urine from the bladder, and it is commonly made from materials such as plastic, rubber, and silicone. Medical professionals recommend urinary catheters for conditions such as Urinary Incontinence (UI), urinary retention, prostate surgeries, or in cases where patients suffer from spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or dementia.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Urinary Catheters Market

Impact of COVID-19 on the Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a positive impact on the urinary catheter market. According to data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the use of catheters, including urinary and central line catheters, saw an increase during the COVID-19 outbreak. For instance, in 2020, the Standardized Utilization Ratio (SUR) for urinary catheters increased by 7.4%, rising from 0.79 before the pandemic to 0.84 during the outbreak. Similarly, the SUR for central line catheters rose by 4.9%, from 0.88 pre-pandemic to 0.92 during the crisis. This increased demand for catheters, especially in critical care settings, is expected to contribute to the market's growth over the forecast period.

The pandemic also underscored the importance of infection prevention, leading to innovations in catheter technology. Several manufacturers have responded to the heightened awareness of infection control by developing products like coated urinary catheters with built-in temperature monitoring capabilities. These advancements are aimed at reducing the risk of secondary infections in critically ill patients. For instance, in February 2021, Health Canada approved Bactiguard's urinary catheter with a temperature sensor for infection prevention. This approval was expedited due to the urgency created by the pandemic, as these catheters have shown the potential to lower secondary infection rates, thereby supporting market growth.

Product Segmentation Insights:

In 2022, the intermittent catheter segment led the urinary catheters market, accounting for over 57.5% of total revenue. Intermittent catheters are medical devices used to intermittently drain the bladder. These catheters are considered a superior alternative to indwelling (continuous) catheters, which are more likely to lead to UTIs. Intermittent catheterization is often recommended for patients with spinal cord injuries or neurogenic bladder issues. As a result, these devices are considered the gold standard for bladder management in such cases. The availability of reimbursement for intermittent catheters under programs like Medicaid and Medicare has further contributed to the growth of this market segment.

The fastest-growing product segment is expected to be external catheters over the forecast period. These catheters are primarily used for male patients and offer a less invasive alternative to indwelling catheters, which must be inserted through the urethra. External catheters are also popular among patients who prefer to self-catheterize, especially in cases of UI or urinary retention. Additionally, these catheters come in a range of styles and sizes, providing patients with various options to suit their individual needs. Leading companies in the industry are offering advanced external catheter products. For example, BD (C.R. Bard) manufactures the ULTRAFLEX male external catheter, which features a more secure fit compared to traditional non-silicone sheaths, providing users with greater comfort and reliability.

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