PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1756421
PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1756421
Intermittent Catheters Market size was valued at US$ 2,109.22 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.50% from 2025 to 2032.
Intermittent catheters are sterile, one-time-use medical equipment carefully designed for the periodic drainage of urine from the bladder. Intermittent catheterization differs from indwelling catheters, which are left in place for long periods. Intermittent catheterization entails the passage of a thin, elastic tube, usually made of materials like PVC, silicone, or latex, through the urethra and into the bladder. When urine output stops, the catheter is then slowly pulled out. This technique is commonly utilized by patients with urinary retention caused by many underlying conditions, such as neurogenic bladder dysfunction because of spinal injury or multiple sclerosis, bladder obstruction at the outlet, or postoperative urinary retention. The method enables individuals to control their bladder function more independently, encouraging bladder health through full emptying and avoiding the risk of complications related to extended catheterization, including urinary tract infections and bladder stones.
Intermittent Catheters Market- Market Dynamics
The market for intermittent catheters is driven by the mounting incidence of chronic conditions such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, which often result in neurogenic bladder and resultant urinary retention. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) estimates that around 296,000 individuals reside in the US with spinal cord injury and that new cases rise at a rate of about 18,000 annually. This population has a huge and reliable demand for intermittent catheterization. In addition, the growing usage of minimally invasive surgery leads to an increase in postoperative urinary retention, which requires short-term intermittent catheterization. The upsurge in knowledge regarding the complications of indwelling catheters, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), also promotes intermittent catheterization as a safer option. Government policies and health initiatives focusing on patient safety and infection control also contribute to this trend.
Technological innovations resulting in the availability of easy-to-use and unobtrusive catheter designs, such as pre-lubricated and closed-system catheters, improve patient compliance and convenience. The increasing elderly population, more susceptible to urinary incontinence and retention, propels market growth. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world's population aged 65 years and above is expected to be 1.6 billion by the year 2050, signifying an increasing patient base. Additionally, growing emphasis on home healthcare and patient self-management is fuelling the use of intermittent catheters during home care. However, competing bladder management methods, including indwelling catheters and medication, are a competitive threat. Furthermore, the danger of urinary tract infections, though lessened with intermittent catheterization than indwelling catheters still exists and requires appropriate patient education and strict attention to sterile procedures.
Intermittent Catheters Market- Key Insights
The urinary incontinence segment had the highest market share of the intermittent catheters market. This is largely due to the high incidence of different types of urinary incontinence among most age groups, especially among elderly individuals and those suffering from neurological disorders.
The home care settings market is projected to grow fastest during the forecast period. This is due to the rising focus on patient independence and healthcare cost-effectiveness. As medical care systems seek to minimize in-patient time and encourage self-care, the need for intermittent catheters in the home environment is growing.
North America dominates the global market for intermittent catheters. This is mainly because of its established healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence and adoption of sophisticated medical devices, encouraging reimbursement policies, and high prevalence of disorders requiring intermittent catheterization, including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Asia-Pacific is also expected to show the fastest growth rate in the forecast period. This rapid growth is due to factors such as an aging population, enhanced healthcare infrastructure & access, increased awareness of urological diseases, and rising healthcare spending in markets like China & India.
The Global Intermittent Catheters Market is segmented on the basis of Product Type, Category, By Application, Material, End Use, and Region.
By Application, the market is segmented into urinary incontinence, general surgery, spinal injuries, and others. The urinary incontinence segment is the largest application segment of the global intermittent catheters market. This is because of the prevalence of different types of urinary incontinence across a large percentage of the global population, especially among older people and those suffering from neurological disabilities. Intermittent catheterization is an essential intervention for managing bladder emptying in such individuals, providing continuous maintenance, avoiding complications such as skin breakdown and infections, and improving overall quality of life and social interaction. The spinal injuries segment is expected to be the most rapidly growing application area. The greater prevalence of spinal cord injuries, which frequently leave patients with neurogenic bladder and inability to void spontaneously, dictates the repeated use of intermittent catheters for bladder management. Progress in rehabilitation programs and enhanced access to specialized care for spinal cord injury patients are fostering wider utilization of intermittent catheterization as a preferred long-term bladder management technique in these patients.
By material, the market is segmented into PVC, silicone, latex, and others. The PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) segment is the largest material type in the intermittent catheters market. This is largely attributable to the affordability and versatility of PVC material. PVC catheters are most commonly available, modestly priced to produce, and have a good combination of flexibility and rigidity to ensure ease of insertion. The cost and availability of PVC catheters make them a common option, especially where there are resource limitations and intermittent catheterization in the routine sense. Silicone is anticipated to be the highest-growing material segment. Silicone catheters have several benefits, such as biocompatibility and lower chances of allergic reactions compared to latex. They have a smooth surface that minimizes urethral trauma and insertion discomfort. With patients and healthcare clinicians prioritizing patient comfort and safety, the demand for silicone intermittent catheters is increasing. Developing silicone catheter technology, such as hydrophilic coating, enhances ease of use and reduces the risk of complications, driving their widespread adoption.
Intermittent Catheters Market- Geographical Insights
North America is the largest regional intermittent catheter market. This large market share is powered by the well-established healthcare infrastructure, great awareness and acceptance of sophisticated medical devices, good reimbursement policies, and a high prevalence of conditions necessitating intermittent catheterization, including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and urological disorders. The availability of key industry players, ongoing technological advancement, and a heavy focus on patient care proves North America's dominant position. The Asia-Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing intermittent catheters market. This rapid growth is propelled by an expanding elderly population, improved infrastructure and access to healthcare, increased awareness of urological conditions, and increased healthcare expenditure in rapidly developing economies like China & India. With enhanced healthcare norms and rising patient awareness, the market for intermittent catheters will likely see a huge upswing.
The intermittent catheter market has a moderately fragmented competitive environment with mature multinational and specialized smaller firms. Major players like Coloplast A/S, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Wellspect Healthcare, and Hollister Incorporated have notable market shares with their large product lines, strong distribution channels, and known brand names. These firms spend large amounts on research and development to launch innovative catheter designs with enhanced user comfort, safety aspects such as antimicrobial coatings and closed systems, and discreet packaging to improve patient compliance and quality of life. Competition between these players is robust, centered on product differentiation using technological breakthroughs, price strategies, and strategic partnerships to increase their market penetration. The market also sees the emergence of smaller players for niche markets or specialty catheter solutions, enhancing competitiveness as a whole and driving innovation for the intermittent catheter market.
May 2024: Coloplast began the launch of Luja(TM) for women in Denmark and Italy. This new generation of female intermittent catheters comes with Micro-hole Zone Technology, intended to allow total bladder emptying in one unobstructed flow to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections.
May 2024: Coloplast expanded its SenSura Mio product range with two new introductions: SenSura Mio black bags and an extended convexity range (SenSura Mio Convex Soft with Flex coupling). These additions offer more options and improved fit for people with ostomies.
October 2023: B. Braun introduced the Introcan Safety(R) 2 IV Catheter with Multi-Access Blood Control. The new intravenous catheter is designed with safety features to minimize the risk of blood exposure for healthcare professionals during insertion.
June 2023: Hollister Incorporated has launched the VaPro(TM) intermittent catheter with new HydraBalance(TM) Lubricating Technology. The technology, featuring naturally derived ingredients, has a hydrophilic coating and hydration fluid blended to form a cushion that glides smoothly for easy insertion and withdrawal.