Europe Urinary Catheters Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Indwelling Catheters, Intermittent Catheters, and External Catheters), By Application (Urinary Incontinence, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Surgery, and Others), By Gender (Male and Female), By End-user (Hospitals, Age Care Centers, and Others), and Forecast, 2022-2029

The Europe urinary catheters market size was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 1.31 billion in 2022 to USD 2.15 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has been unprecedented and staggering, with urinary catheters experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across Europe compared to the pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, this market witnessed a decline of 4.0% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), urinary catheterization is used to drain the bladder and collect urine in individuals with difficulty urinating naturally, through flexible tubes called urinary catheters. Some conditions, including prostate enlargement (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia), bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence, obstruct the urine flow and require catheterization to pass urine. Moreover, these devices are used in emptying the bladder before and after surgery and aid in performing certain tests. The rise in the prevalence of various urinary disorders among the population and the increase in surgical procedures are a few factors responsible for the rising demand for these devices.

Furthermore, as per various regional studies it has been demonstrated that aging increases the risk of developing various bladder-associated problems among the population, such as urine retention, urine leakage, benign prostate hyperplasia, and others. According to Eurostat 2021 data, approximately 20.8% of the European population were aged 65 and above. The statistics also revealed an increase of 14.6% of people aged 80 years or above from 2011 to 2021. Thus, the growing burden of the aging population in the region is one of the significant factors contributing to the growth of the market.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Reduction in Volume of Urological Surgeries amid COVID-19 Pandemic Hampered the Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the market in 2020 due to a multitude of factors. Some factors include the reduction in patient visits to hospitals, disruption in demand and supply chain due to the imposition of logistical restrictions across the borders, and a temporary halt in various urological surgeries during the pandemic.

Additionally, as per the statistics published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), there was a steep decline in various urological surgical procedures in many European countries.

• For instance, the number of transurethral prostatectomy surgeries decreased by 25% in 2020 as compared to 2019 in France, Italy, and the U.K., some of the major countries in the region.

Furthermore, the decline in the sales of urinary incontinence products also hampered the Europe urinary catheters market growth in 2020. However, due to the resumption of normal healthcare activities in Europe due to ease in COVID-19 restrictions, the market regained normalcy by the end of 2021.

• For instance, Coloplast A/S, one of the leading companies with a strong presence in Europe, witnessed a decline in its continence care products sales, including urinary catheters, due to the less prioritization of the patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia and bowel problem. However, by the end of 2021, the company’s sales reached the pre-COVID levels owing to the rise in patient admissions and resumption of urology-associated hospital activities.

From 2022 onwards, the catheters market will witness considerable growth due to the launch of new products, an increase in strategic business activities among the key market players, and a sustained increase in the prevalence of urinary diseases and surgeries.

• For instance, Convatec Inc. mentioned in its annual report that the company will expand its continental commercial presence in Europe in 2022. The company also mentioned the new GentleCath Air Male compact catheter launch in Q2/Q3.

LATEST TRENDS

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Shifting Focus to Develop Advanced Catheters is Creating Growth Opportunities in Market

Over the past few years, there has been a rising concern about catheter-associated infections (CAUTI) among patients with catheters for an extended duration. To reduce the infections acquired owing to CAUTI, many researchers and companies are trying to develop innovative products with antimicrobial properties. Also, the government agencies' increased funds to support the development of advanced devices with reduced infection rates provide opportunities in the market.

• In September 2019, the EU funded USD 59,523.8 to the NANOELAST project to develop next-generation catheters that prevent infections.


• Also, in May 2018, RIOCATH Global, a Czech company, developed and patented a unique technology applicable to tubular medical devices. The company used the new technology to develop a urinary catheter (Reversal Inside-Out CATHeterisation) designed to reduce the risk of infection and sensitive trauma during insertion.

Such initiatives made by manufacturers and national organizations will increase the adoption of advanced catheters with a reduced risk of infection in the forthcoming years.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence to Propel the Market Growth

Urinary incontinence is one of the growing concerns among the population across the globe. In Europe, urinary incontinence is considered a significant health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), old age is characterized by developing several complex health issues, generally known as geriatric syndromes. Such syndromes are the consequence of many factors, including urinary incontinence and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

• In 2021, the European Association of Urology published the latest survey stating that urinary incontinence affects about 10%-20% of the European population.


• In addition, according to a 2021 study published in BioMed Central Ltd, urinary incontinence is more prevalent among older women and is about 37% in European countries.

Moreover, there are various products such as absorbent pads, external collection devices, catheters, penile clamps for men, and intravaginal devices for women mentioned by the European urinary incontinence management guidelines. However, the usage of the catheters increased considerably in recent years, contributing to the market growth.

• According to an article published in the NCBI in 2021, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) users increased from 14,258 in 1997 to 45,909 in 2018. The CIC users nearly tripled from 92 users to 267 users per 100,000 persons.

Rising Number of Surgical Procedures to Augment the Market Growth

Globally, approximately 310 million major surgeries are performed annually, with 40-50 million in the U.S. and about 20 million in Europe. The increase in the number of surgeries will significantly increase the demand for urinary catheters, as these are generally used in patients undergoing surgeries to prevent urine incontinence or urine retention in an anesthetized patient. Furthermore, these devices facilitate the output urine measurement. During and after surgeries, the output urine measurement is an indirect marker of the patient’s renal, cardiovascular, and fluid status.

• According to the U.K. Health Security Agency statistics published in 2021, about 31,644 (spinal surgeries); 1,739 (abdominal hysterectomies); 1,184 (Bile duct, liver, or pancreatic surgeries); among others, were performed in England from 2016 to 2021. Thus, increased number of surgeries rises the adoption of urinary catheters, thereby augmenting the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Number of Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Among Patients to Hinder the Market Growth

The rising concerns associated with Catheter-associated urinary infections (CAUTI) while using urinary catheters is one of the substantial hindrances to the market growth. The infection can lead to severe complications such as endocarditis and sepsis in patients with extended hospital stays. CAUTIs are the most common risk with indwelling catheters and are reported as hospital-acquired infections (HAI). According to the International Society for Infectious Diseases, the frequency of CAUTI is 19.6% in Europe.

• According to the 2019 European Center for Disease Prevention and Control report, about 2% of the patients who stayed in ICUs acquired HAI with urinary tract infection (UTI), and almost 98% of all the UTI episodes among the ICU admitted patients were related to urinary catheters. Surge in such catheters-associated urinary complications is likely to hinder the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

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Intermittent Catheters Segment Dominates the Market Due to Increasing Adoption of these Products due to Various Benefits

Based on product, the Europe market can be segmented into indwelling catheters, intermittent catheters, and external catheters.

The intermittent catheters segment dominated the Europe urinary catheters market share in 2021 due to the shift in homecare treatment among the patient population, various benefits associated with intermittent catheters, and an increase in the launch of the advanced and more discreet intermittent catheters in the market. In addition, the key players developing eco-friendly intermittent catheters and growing strategic partnerships to introduce new intermittent catheters are some factors bolstering the sales of the intermittent catheters resulting in segment’s dominance in the European market.

The indwelling catheters segment is one of the fastest growing segments and is expected to grow with significant CAGR. Indwelling catheters are most commonly used in hospital and clinical settings during surgeries. Thus, rising surgeries and hospital admission is expected to increase the demand for indwelling catheters in the upcoming years. Furthermore, the growing aging population with urinary diseases and the need for catheterization for a longer duration contribute to the segment’s market growth during the forecast period.

The external catheters segment is estimated to grow at a lower CAGR due to limited product offerings. Other factors include dislodgement and leakage, scarring of penile tissue, and skin irritation contributing to its slow growth during the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

Urinary Incontinence Segment Dominates the Market Due to Rising Prevalence of the Condition in European Countries

Based on application, the market is segmented into urinary incontinence, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), surgery, and others.

The growth of urinary incontinence is driven by increased prevalence of the condition among the European population. The urinary incontinence segment occupied the largest market share in 2021. According to the NHS estimates, an estimated 3 million to 6 million people in the U.K. suffer from urinary incontinence. Similar trends are observed in the other major countries in the region, which is expected to increase the adoption of the catheters, thus bolstering the demand for these devices among the urinary incontinent patient population.

Further, surgery is expected to be the second leading segment and will grow faster than other segments in the coming years. The segment's market growth is driven by increased surgeries performed annually in the region. In addition, the BPH segment held a considerable market share in 2021 due to rise in male geriatric population prone to developing prostate enlargement. For instance, as per the Urology Foundation, about 3 million men are suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.

On the other hand, the others segment is expected to grow at a modest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increase of various other urinary diseases leading to complexities such as urine retention and urine leakage among patients.

By Gender Analysis

Increased Adoption among Male Population is Projected to Drive the Segment

Based on gender, the market is segmented into male and female. The male segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share in 2021, owing to the rising prevalence of urological diseases such as benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer among the European population. According to GLOBOCAN, in Europe, there were approximately 20.2% of new prostate cancer cases reported from all cancers. Moreover, the availability of less invasive or non-invasive types of urinary catheters, such as external (condom) catheters, increases the adoption rate among men.

On the contrary, the female segment exhibited a low market share in 2021 and is also expected to grow at a low CAGR during the forecast period. The availability of various alternative products for managing urine leakage among the target population is limiting the market growth of this segment.

By End-user Analysis

Increase in the Number of Surgeries is Projected to Drive the Hospital Segment Market

Based on end-user, the market is classified into hospitals, age care centers, and others.

Hospitals segment is projected to generate the highest revenue in the Europe market in 2021, owing to the increase in hospitalization for surgeries. The segment growth is driven by the rise in various urological disorders requiring surgeries and hospital stays. Furthermore, increasing hospital admissions for surgeries associated with injuries and chronic disorders where a patient's mobility is confined also drives the segment’s growth.

The age care centers segment is projected to grow at a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period. Despite an increase in admission to hospitals, there is a significant increase in admission in age care centers in the region due to an increasing burden of the aging population. According to the Government of the U.K.’s Care Home Analysis (2022), approximately 400,000 older people live in care homes in the U.K., with the majority being above 80 years old and female. In addition, as per the reports of the European Association of Urology Nurses in collaboration with the European Network for Safer Healthcare, and Health First Europe, an estimated 5% of elderly patients in homecare in Europe were on urinary catheters.

Furthermore, the others segment is expected to exhibit considerable market growth during the forecast period due to the shift in patient care from hospitals to homecare settings.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS 

On the basis of region, the Europe urinary catheters market is segmented into Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, Portugal, and the Rest of Nordic. Germany generated a revenue of USD 0.31 billion in 2021 and is expected to dominate the market throughout the study period. The growing prevalence of patients suffering from urinary diseases, the geriatric population, and the number of surgeries are some of the factors anticipated to boost the market growth in Germany. For instance, as per a 2022 NCBI article, the prevalence of urolithiasis is about 5% among the German population. The high prevalence of urolithiasis contributes to the market growth as untreated bladder and kidney stones lead to urine retention and require urinary catheterization.

Italy is projected to be the second most prominent market in terms of revenue by 2029. The rising prevalence of urinary incontinence, growing burden of urological cancers, and increasing aging population bolstered the country's market growth. Moreover, the France market is anticipated to expand at a higher CAGR owing to growth factors such as enlarged prostate complications, a rise in pregnancy and childbirth, and an increase in surgical volumes in the country. For instance, according to the 2022 statistics of the World Bank, France has the highest birth rate of 11 per 1,000 people among the other EU 5 countries. Women's bladder weakens after child birth, making them prone to urinary incontinence, thus increasing the demand for these catheters.

On the other hand, Spain accounted for a comparatively less market share than other EU 5 countries in the year 2021. Presence of few players in the market and stigma amongst the population suffering from urinary incontinence is leading to a slower growth in the country. The market in Sweden and Ukraine is projected to grow rapidly due to the rising target population, and regional companies focusing on developing and launching = innovative catheters in the market. Portugal, the Netherlands, and the Rest of Nordic countries are anticipated to register a moderate growth during the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Coloplast A/S Dominated the Market Owing to its Robust Product Portfolio

The market is consolidated in terms of the competitive landscape, with multinational companies holding a significant market share. Coloplast A/S has a top market position due to its robust product portfolio, comprehensive and well-established presence in Europe, and recent product launches. In April 2022, Coloplast A/S announced the launch of the SpeediCath Flex Set, an all-in-one solution with a soft catheter comprising triple action coating technology in markets between 2022 and 2023. The above-mentioned factors and the strong product sales in the region account for the company’s dominance in the market.

ConvaTec Group Plc is also one of the key players in the Europe market. The company indulges in various market expansion strategies to hold its position. In September 2019, the company acquired Southlake Medical Supplies, an independent provider of catheter related supplies.

Other prominent players in the market include B. Braun Melsungen AG, Teleflex Incorporated, Hollister Incorporated, BACTIGUARD AB, and others. The growing focus of companies on various business activities and launches of new products is propelling market growth.

• For instance, in December 2020, BACTIGUARD AB collaborated with Libera Medica S.L to distribute its infection prevention products for urinary tract, bloodstream, and others in Spain.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Coloplast A/S (Denmark)


• B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany)


• Hollister Incorporated (U.S.)


• Medline Industries, LP (U.S.)


• Clinisupplies Ltd (U.K.)


• Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.)


• Convatec Group PLC (U.K.)


• Teleflex Incorporated (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2021: Clinisupplies Ltd (Healthium Medtech Limited) acquired VitalCare Group to expand its urology franchise in Europe and other developed markets.


• March 2021: ConvaTec Group PLC acquired Cure Medical, LLC., a California-based company focused on developing, manufacturing, and distributing intermittent catheters to strengthen its ‘Continence and Critical Care’ business segment.


• April 2020: BACTIGUARD AB commercially launched the BIP Foley Temp Sensor, an indwelling catheter designed to prevent infection and allow temperature surveillances in patients.


• February 2019: Hollister Incorporated launched the intermittent catheter, the Infyna Chic in the Europe and Canada market.


• February 2018: Coloplast A/S acquired a German direct-to-consumer company, IncoCare Gunhild Vieler GmbH to bolster its position in the country predominantly for home-care continence supplies.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Europe Urinary Catheters Market

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The market research report provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the market and a detailed analysis of Europe market size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. Along with this, the report provides market overview and an elaborative analysis of the regional market dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are the prevalence of obesity – for key countries/regions, new product launches, key recent industry developments – mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, pipeline analysis, impact of COVID-19 on the market, and Europe urinary catheters market trends.

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