Contraceptives Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Contraceptive Drugs, Contraceptive Devices, and Others), By Gender (Male & Female) By Distribution Channel (Healthcare Facilities, Pharmacies, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global contraceptives market size was valued at USD 22.49 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 30.15 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. 

Contraception is the voluntary control of fertility with the help of birth control drugs or devices and surgical procedures. It has now become crucial to secure the autonomy of women by ensuring access to contraception methods. There are several benefits associated with the use of pills such as it can help reduce the death rate from early child bearing. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, 214 million women of reproductive age in emerging countries willing to avoid pregnancy were least aware of modern novel contraception procedures. However, active participation of the government in promoting the health and well-being of women through various awareness campaigns and programs about family planning, especially in the developing economies, is one of the most prominent factors propelling the market.

The Negative Impact of COVID‐19 on Contraception and Sexual Health

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a negative impact on the market growth during the forecast period. This is majorly due to the disrupted access to contraception among the population.

• For instance, in April 2020, data from the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) states that, major disruptions to health services owing to ongoing lockdowns, during the COVID-19 pandemic could leave 47 million women in middle and low-income countries unable to use novel birth control medications, leading to 7 million unintended pregnancies in the coming months.

Moreover, a decline in the manufacturing and supply quantities of birth control pills across the globe is another significant factor resulting in the drop of the market growth rate.  

• For instance, as per data from UNFPA, it has been estimated that, 46 countries that usually receive supplies from them will experience stock‐outs of one or more modern methods, including: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), implants, copper intrauterine devices, condoms, and oral birth control pills.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Demand for Low Dose Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) to Drive Growth

Low-dose COCs containing 20-35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol combined with progestogen have largely replaced the older COCs comprising 50 micrograms estrogen. Low-dose COCs are favored because of the lower risk of venous thromboembolism. The rising number of clinical researches pertaining to birth control methods for better efficiency will strongly suggest a positive growth trajectory across the analysis period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Awareness among Population & Increasing Government Initiatives to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies will Propel Growth

The continuously growing rate of the global population, specifically in the developing economies is a rising concern worldwide, thus promoting the need for government initiatives is driving awareness campaigns to eliminate or minimize the risk of unwanted pregnancies, risk associated with abortion, and sexual disorders threat. For instance, at the London Summit on Family Planning held in 2012, the Government of India made a global commitment to provide family planning services to an additional 48 million new users by the year 2020. Moreover, the U.S. government has established a maternal and infant health initiative to promote the effective use of contraception with an aim to lower the unwanted pregnancy rates and risks associated with it.

Increasing Rate of Unwanted Pregnancies across the Globe to Propel Market Growth

The growing rate of unwanted pregnancies worldwide is a major concern among the population. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45% of the 6.1 million annual pregnancies in the U.S. are unwanted. Hence, the increasing rate of unintended pregnancies will spur the market growth across the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects Associated with Contraceptives May Limit Growth

Despite the high prevalence of unwanted pregnancies globally, certain factors are limiting the growth of the market. Among them are the side effects such as nausea, headaches, and migraine associated with birth control pills. This factor will significantly limit market growth. 

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

Contraceptive Devices Segment to Grow at Faster Pace Stoked by Their High Demand

On the basis of product, the market includes contraceptive devices and drugs. The contraceptive drugs accounted for the highest share in the market in 2019, attributable to their awareness amongst the youth population and their widespread distribution in emerging nations. The segment is projected to register a stable CAGR by 2027 owing to the increasing manufacturing of such birth control pills. For instance, in August 2018, Lupin Inc. announced the market launch of Ethinyl Estradiol, Drospirenone, and Levomefolate Calcium tablets and Levomefolate Calcium tablets in the U.S. These tablets are used to prevent pregnancy.    

The contraceptive devices segment is expected to grow over a duration of 2020-2027 owing to the growing approval of products to fulfill the rising demand for such medical devices, along with their high efficiency in exudate monitoring of women’s health.  

By Gender Analysis  

Male Segment Show High CAGR Owing to Rising Adoption

By gender, the market is classified into male and female. The male segment is expected to showcase lucrative growth rate during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing number of male birth control devices being commercialized. For instance, in November 2019, the Indian Council of Medical Research announced the launch of the world’s first contraceptive injection for men. The product could be available commercially within six months, after the clinical trials have been completed on the drug.

The female segment is anticipated to exhibit lucrative growth across the forecast period majorly due to the increasing rates of unwanted pregnancies. Additionally, the increasing government initiatives to lower the rates of unwanted pregnancies will further propel the segmental growth. For instance, in 2015, publicly funded family planning services helped prevent 1.9 million unwanted pregnancies that include 440,000 teen pregnancies.  

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Retail Pharmacies Segment to Hold Lion’s Share Backed by Improved Supply Chain Network of Manufacturers

The retail pharmacies segment is expected to hold the maximum share during the forecast period in the market. This is due to the improved supply chain network of manufacturers. Hospital pharmacy segment is also anticipated to grow with substantial CAGR owing to the collaborations of hospitals with distributors and manufacturers, especially for birth control devices. For instance, in February 2019, Dignity Health, a California-based nonprofit public benefit corporation that operates ancillary care facilities and hospitals, announced the merger agreement with Catholic Health Initiatives. As per the agreement, one of Dignity Health’s non catholic hospitals will function within a separate system allowing them to deliver reproductive care prohibited under the Catholic directives.  

The online channel segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth during the forecast period majorly on account of the growing accessibility to over-the-counter drugs on the online platform. Also, increasing awareness among the population pertaining to several novel birth control pills will further boost product demand.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market size in North America stood at USD 9.71 billion in 2019. The region’s dominance on the contraceptives market share is attributable to the increasing rate of unintended pregnancies across the region. Moreover, the growing number of teen pregnancies across the U.S. will further augment regional growth. For instance, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, the pregnancy rate in women aged 15–19 years increased to 18.8% per 1,000 women. Moreover, the presence of major players operating in the region will further boost product sales.

The market in Europe is anticipated to showcase a considerable growth, owing to the increasing funding for clinical trials of modern birth control medications. Moreover, the surging rate of teen pregnancies in the European region will further boost product demand across the analysis period.

The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant CAGR owing to the rising awareness among the population about several benefits of birth control pills to eliminate unwanted pregnancies, combined with the increasing number of companies entering the Asian market. Also, rising government awareness programs to educate the population about family planning and women’s health will further support market growth in the region. For instance, in India, the National Family Planning Program, called “Hum Do” aims to provide eligible couples with guidance and information on family planning methods and services. 

Latin America & the Middle East & Africa, on the other hand, accounted for a comparatively lower share of the global market owing to the presence of a huge underpenetrated market.  

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, Inc., and Bayer AG to Lead Owing to Robust Distribution Networks

The structure of this market is fragmented in nature owing to the plethora of products available for use. Moreover, the increasing number of manufacturers and a remarkable distribution network of major companies in the developed and emerging economies will further augment market expansion. Currently, Pfizer, Inc., Bayer, and Merck & Co., Inc., are leading the market, accounting for a dominant share in 2019. The other key players in this market include Cooper Surgical, Inc., Actavis, Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, and others. 

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Pfizer, Inc. (U.S.)


• Bayer AG (Germany)


• Cooper Surgical, Inc.  (U.S.)


• The Female Health Company (U.S.)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Israel)


• Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.)


• Mayer Laboratories, Inc (U.S.)


• Church & Dwight, Co., Inc. (U.S.)


• Medisafe Distribution Inc. (U.S)


• Other Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2021- Emme, a health tech company that launched a birth control tracking smart case and app has now expanded its offerings into prescription delivery and telemedicine.  The new expansion, known as EmmeRx, means patients in 16 states will be able to get contraception prescribed and delivered.


• April 2021- Mayne Pharma received the USFDA approval NEXTSTELLIS (3 mg drospirenone
  and 14.2 mg estetrol
  tablets) for the prevention of pregnancy.


• March 2021– Clue launched digital contraceptive which offers users a statistical prediction of ovulation as a birth control tool.


• May 2020– Evofem Biosciences Inc. received the USFDA approval for Phexxi, the first non-hormonal birth control gel.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the contraceptives market trends and highlights key industry developments, fertility rates for key countries (2019), new product launches, patent analysis, etc.

Report Scope & Segmentation