Contraceptive Drugs Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Oral (Combined Contraceptives and Progestin-only Pills), Injectable, and Patches), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Clinics, Online Channels, Public Channels & NGOs, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global contraceptive drugs market size was valued at USD 18.57 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 19.80 billion in 2024 to USD 37.22 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Contraceptive drugs play a crucial role in controlling the birth rate through the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. These drugs are also important in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, an ever-increasing concern regarding the rapidly increasing population globally, especially in low and middle-income countries is leading to the growing focus on educating the general population about available methods of contraception. For instance, according to an article published by The Wilson Center in July 2023, in lower income countries, approximately 240 births take place every minute. On the other hand, 25 births take place per minute in the high income countries.

The increasing focus of leading market players and healthcare agencies on creating awareness of contraception methods is the primary factor augmenting the contraceptive drugs market growth.

• For instance, in September 2022, Mankind Pharma’s regular oral contraceptive brand – Unwanted 21 - launched a multilingual campaign on the occasion of the World Contraception Day.


• Similarly, in September 2021, Bayer AG in the Middle East partnered with the United Nations population fund in Egypt to launch the 'Your Right to Plan' campaign on the World Contraception Day. The main motive of this campaign was to provide 100 million women in underprivileged regions with modern contraception and elevate the demand for family planning services.

This factor has been pivotal in increasing awareness among the general population, especially in emerging countries, toward the adoption of contraception and available contraceptive options. Furthermore, the introduction of over-the-counter drugs and other products by domestic and global players resulted in higher adoption and fueled the market growth.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic hindered the demand for contraceptive drugs across the world. This significant decline in revenues was attributed to several factors, including supply chain disruptions and others. Further, significant disruption was observed in family planning and contraception services in many countries. However, according to a number of survey analysis and interviews with key opinion leaders, it was reported that lockdown relaxations and the resumption of family planning sessions in developing countries resulted in substantial growth during 2020-2021.

Contraceptive Drugs Market Trends

Shift from Conventional to Modern Contraceptive Methods Resulting in the Transformation of the Market

Technological advancements and the rising awareness of modern contraceptive methods are shifting the preference from traditional methods toward modern ones, including oral contraceptive pills, injectables, and topical drugs.

Conventional drugs and procedures offer limited protection against sexually transmitted diseases and have a higher failure rate than modern methods. Thus, this leads to the increasing demand and adoption of modern techniques such as sterilization, pills, and other products among the general population.

• For instance, according to the National Family Health Survey report published in May 2022, employed women are more likely to use modern contraception in India. The survey stated that 66.3% of employed women use a modern contraceptive method compared to 53.4% of unemployed women.


• Additionally, according to the data published by the United Nations in 2019, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, a total of 1.9 billion women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are present across the world. Around 842 million women now use modern contraception methods, including oral drugs and injectables, and approximately 80 million consumers are using traditional methods.


• Also, according to the data published by CHASE Africa in 2021, it was reported that oral contraceptive drugs accounted for 45.3% of family planning uptake in 2020.

This factor indicates that the growing preference of consumers toward modern methods, including drugs, is anticipated to surge the demand and adoption of these drugs during the forecast period.

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Contraceptive Drugs Market Growth Factors

Growing Awareness Regarding Contraceptive Drugs Leads to Product Demand 

There is a rising focus of non-profit organizations and regional and national healthcare agencies on improving women’s reproductive health and sexual wellness through various campaigns and public awareness programs. These for-profit and non-profit organizations promote the use of contraception techniques and create awareness among the general population toward various contraception methods, including a growing preference for these drugs.

• For instance, in December 2023, Ankura Hospital collaborated with gynecologists to launch a birth control awareness campaign. It included educating individuals on contraceptives and family planning.


• Similarly, in December 2020, the government of Ireland announced a plan to introduce free contraception to women aged between 17 and 25.


• Additionally, according to the article published by Ms. Magazine in July 2021, it was reported that oral contraceptive drugs are made available over the counter without a prescription in the U.K.

Available Reimbursement Policies in Developed Countries to Fuel Market Growth

Furthermore, the rising number of products being introduced in the market by leading global and domestic players and the availability of favorable reimbursement policies in the developed regions are supporting the market growth.

According to an article published by BBC in 2021, it was reported that a three-month supply of progestogen-only pills was provided to women across Scotland for free by community pharmacies. Also, according to NHS U.K., the women population in the U.K. can avail contraceptive injections free from contraceptive clinics, GP surgeries, and others.

Furthermore, the U.S. also has favorable reimbursement strategies for contraceptive drugs. This has resulted in a rising adoption of these products among end-users. Under the Affordable Care Act, private health plans are required to cover a list of preventive services. This includes all contraceptive methods approved by the U.S. FDA and contraceptive counseling for women.

These initiatives by the government and other organizations are fueling the adoption rate of these drugs and are instrumental for growth of this market during the study period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects Associated with Drugs to Limit Product Demand

The long-term use of birth control medications is associated with side effects such as bleeding, headaches, nausea, and weight gain. Several research studies have been published to highlight the long-term side effects related to birth control drugs.

• For instance, according to the study published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 2021, long-term consumption of birth control pills increases breast and cervical cancer risk.


• Moreover, progesterone and estrogen-based drugs are linked with increasing the risk of developing a blood clot, which may cause stroke and heart attack.

Moreover, lack of awareness and social taboo about contraception methods and other methods of contraception are accountable for the lower adoption of these products in developing countries. Moreover, the availability of alternative contraceptive methods, including condoms, IUDs, and other physical barriers that are proven to be effective for contraception without any side effects, is anticipated to hinder the adoption rate of these drugs

Contraceptive Drugs Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Oral Segment to Dominate Owing to its Robust Demand for Consumable Drugs

Based on product, the market is segmented into oral, injectable, and patches. The oral segment is further categorized into combined contraceptives and progestin-only pills.

The oral segment accounted for the highest market share, driven by higher adoption of oral drugs in developed and developing countries across the globe. The surge in demand is attributable to the undue clinical benefits of oral medicines over other contraceptive methods, including injectable and patches. Also, the easy administration of oral pills along with growing availability of these products in pharmacies, public hospitals, and others, is also fostering the adoption rate of this segment during the study period.

• According to a research article published by NCBI in 2022, it was stated that the women population in Brazil has free access to contraception, and the Unified Health System offers a large variety of contraceptive products, including combined and progestin-only oral pills, free of cost.


• Also, according to the United Nations, the number of women of reproductive age consuming birth control pills increased from around 97 million in 1994 to 151 million in 2019.

Furthermore, increasing number of product approvals is also anticipated to supplement the segment growth. For instance, in November 2022, the U.S. FDA approved Lupin’s Drospirenone tablets that are used for the prevention of pregnancy. This product is the generic equivalent of Exeltis USA Inc's Slynd tablets.

The injectable segment is expected to witness a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The comparatively lower annual cost of injectable products compared to drugs and pills leads to higher demand for injectable products.

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By Distribution Channel Analysis

Increasing Preference of Customers Toward Over-the-Counter Drugs has Enabled the Dominance of the Retail Pharmacy Segment

The market is categorized into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, clinics, online channels, public channels & NGOs, and others based on distribution channel.

The retail pharmacy segment dominated the global market in 2023. The dominance of the retail pharmacy segment is attributed to the growing demand for OTC contraception drugs among the general population and increasing awareness about various contraception methods. Several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, China, and India, allow birth control pills to be sold over the counter. This factor has led to a higher preference of consumers toward retail pharmacies for procuring birth control pills. Moreover, favorable regulatory policies are also responsible for the growth of the retail pharmacy distribution channel.

• For instance, according to the report published by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), more than 15 jurisdictions and states in the U.S. have allowed pharmacists to prescribe and provide drugs and other products for contraception.

The online channels segment is growing at a CAGR higher than the other sub-segments. The higher growth of online channels is attributed to the rising adoption of over-the-counter solutions combined with various online offers and discounts to attract customers. Also, a wide distribution channel and all-time availability of these drugs, including oral pills, injectables, and patches of different brands are the other key factors for the highest CAGR of this segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market in North America was valued at USD 7.27 billion in 2023. The high awareness about birth control pills in the North American population combined with the growing childbearing women population and fertility rate in the region are some of the major factors responsible for the dominance of North America in 2023.

• According to the data published by Macrotrends LLC in 2022, it was reported that the fertility rates for the U.S. and Canada were around 1.78 and 1.50 births per woman, respectively, in 2021.

Europe held the second-largest contraceptive drugs market share due to the presence of a well-established healthcare infrastructure and an increasing number of women opting for modern contraceptive methods, including patches and injectables.

• According to an article published by European Medical Group LTD in 2021, it was reported that in an Italian study of 177 women using a contraceptive patch, 88% of the users found it convenient.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing government initiatives to expand access to contraceptive drugs, and surge in awareness about pills surge the increasing demand for these drugs. Moreover, the growing emphasis on family planning with the rise in cases of unintended pregnancy is influencing the market for birth control pills, including other contraceptive options.

• According to an article published by Living Media India Limited in 2022, it was reported that around 121 million unintended pregnancies are reported each year in the world, and more than one in seven such pregnancies occurred in India. Thus, the rising cases of unintended pregnancies are responsible for the increasing adoption of different methods of contraception, including drugs, patches, and injectable products to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa accounted for a significant share of the global market. Increasing initiatives by the government and other organizations for the awareness of contraceptive drugs are elevating the adoption rate in this region among the women population. This factor is anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.

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List of Key Companies in Contraceptive Drugs Market

Top Market Players Focus on Strategic Collaborations to Gain a Competitive Advantage over Other Players 

The global market is fragmented, with the presence of a few international players and a large number of domestic generic drug manufacturers. The major players operating in the market focus on strategic collaborations to gain a competitive advantage over other players. Leading three to four players together accounted for a lower market share in 2023.

Also, the market is characterized by key players, including Agile Therapeutics and Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. These companies focused on introducing advanced drug molecules and patches to increase their product portfolio and strengthen their brand name.

• For instance, in June 2023, Agile Therapeutics, Inc. and vitaCare Prescription Services signed an agreement to improve customers’ access to Twirla in the U.S.


• Similarly, in January 2022, Agile Therapeutics, Inc. partnered with Afaxys Pharma, LLC to expand the availability of Twirla in the U.S. Twirla is a low-dose and effective non-invasive patch.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Piramal Enterprises Ltd. (India)


• Agile Therapeutics (U.S.)


• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)


• AbbVie Inc. (U.S.)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)


• Viatris Inc. (U.S.)


• Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S.)


• Bayer AG (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• August 2023 – Lupin received the U.S. FDA approval for its Turqoz (Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP). This is a generic equivalent of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC's Lo/Ovral-28 tablets.


• July 2023 - The U.S. FDA approved Opill (norgestrel) tablet, the first non-prescription oral contraceptive for daily use. This product is manufactured by Laboratoire HRA Pharma, recently acquired by Perrigo Company plc.


• November 2022 – Drospirenone tablets manufactured by Lupin received tentative approval from the U.S.FDA for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA). This product is a generic oral contraceptive pill.


• October 2022 – Bayer AG received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for pre-clinical research in novel non-hormonal contraception.


• July 2022 - Mithra Pharmaceuticals, SA and Mayne Pharma Group Limited announced that NEXTSTELLIS – an oral contraceptive with a novel estrogen, is now available in Australia.

REPORT COVERAGE

The contraceptive drugs market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, products, and distribution channels. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the abovementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation