The urinary catheters market size was exhibited at USD 5.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit around USD 12.31 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period 2024 to 2034.
Report Coverage | Details |
Market Size in 2025 | USD 6.11 Billion |
Market Size by 2034 | USD 12.31 Billion |
Growth Rate From 2024 to 2034 | CAGR of 8.1% |
Base Year | 2024 |
Forecast Period | 2024-2034 |
Segments Covered | Product, Application, Type, Gender, End-user, Region |
Market Analysis (Terms Used) | Value (US$ Million/Billion) or (Volume/Units) |
Regional Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, MEA |
Key Companies Profiled | Hollister, Inc.; Medtronic PLC; Boston Scientific Corp.; BD (C.R. Bard, Inc.); Cook Medical; ConvaTec, Inc.; Teleflex, Inc.; Coloplast; B. Braun Melsungen AG; Medline Industries, Inc.; J and M Urinary Catheters LLC |
An increase in the number of patients suffering from Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and blockages in the urethra, rising cases of tumors in the urinary tract or reproductive organs, and the rapidly growing geriatric population are some of the key factors driving the market growth. A urinary catheter is a partially flexible tube for draining urine from the bladder. The materials that are used in the manufacturing of these catheters include plastic, rubber, and silicon. Doctors recommend the use of urinary catheters in the case of Urinary Incontinence (UI), urinary retention, prostate surgery, or other medical conditions, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or dementia.
The COVID-19 is expected to have a positive impact on catheters market. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2020, both urinary catheter and central line Standardized Utilization Ratio (SUR) increased during the COVID-19 outbreak. From 0.88 before the COVID-19 pandemic to 0.92 during the outbreak, the central line SUR increased by 4.9%. SUR of urinary catheters increased by 7.4% during the pandemic, from 0.79 before COVID-19 to 0.84 after COVID-19. This is projected to boost market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, the pandemic has brought attention to the critical need for infection prevention. As a result, several manufacturers are developing products such as coated urine catheters with temperature monitoring to ICU patients as a stronger protection against secondary infections, which is expected to boost market growth. For instance, in February 2021, Health Canada has approved Bactiguard's urine catheter with temperature sensor for infection prevention. COVID-19 prompted the approval because Bactiguard's catheters can lower the incidence of secondary infections in critically ill patients, boosting market growth.
In addition, adoption of teleconsultation services by patients with urological conditions is encouraged by the governments of different countries to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Many patients have adopted online counseling for their health-related concerns. Many market players are launching platforms to provide online counseling and guidance to patients who cannot visit healthcare facilities for treatment. For instance, in India, Friends, the adult diaper brand from Nobel Hygiene launched a new campaign asking everyone to identify the symptoms as they spend more time at home during the lockdown. This campaign highlights the issue of urinary incontinence that is faced by the elderly in the families and offers telematic assistance to continue taking care of patients suffering from urinary incontinence. Such factors are expected to positively impact the demand of urinary catheters over the forecast period.
The increasing prevalence of urological disorders, such as urinary retention, cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary incontinence, and kidney stones, which lead to bladder dysfunction are some of the major factors that are anticipated to drive the product demand globally. The rising number of patients suffering from such urinary dysfunctions requires catheterization for the management & drainage of urine and, thus, demand for these products is expected to advance the market. For instance, as per the National Health Service (NHS) England, around 61% of the male population and around 34% of women are suffering from lower urinary tract conditions. Furthermore, according to Phoenix Physical Therapy, 200 million people are affected by UI worldwide. Thus, the rising incidence of urological dysfunctions and related surgeries has augmented the demand for urinary catheters for post-operative convenience. This is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.
Urinary retention due to bladder neck obstruction, neurological abnormalities, and posterior urethral stricture is more common. Intermittent catheterization is covered by Medicare and Medicaid when the basic criteria for reimbursement are met. The Medicaid program reimburses a patient for 120 intermittent catheters per month. The reimbursement covers straight, coude, catheters kits, and various brands of catheters with hydrophilic & antimicrobial coatings, whereas the Medicare program allows reimbursement for a maximum of 200 sterile and single-use intermittent catheters per month.
In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the U.S issued "guidelines" for UI care in nursing homes and offered staff with web-based instruction. Similarly, the Bladder and Bowel Foundation and Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence (ERIC) collaborated to launch the "Love Your Gusset" awareness campaign, which aimed to increase awareness about the stress UI in women. The management of incontinence care is projected to be simplified because of these approaches. As a result of increased awareness and the adoption of appropriate reimbursement rules, expenditures in R&D to create cost-effective and novel urinary catheters are likely to expand. Consequently, the urinary catheters market is likely to grow throughout the forecast period.
The intermittent catheters segment led the market in 2024 and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 57.5%. An intermittent catheter is a medical device used to empty the bladder. It offers an effective solution to a continuously draining catheter. Intermittent catheterization is the gold standard of emptying the bladder in patients suffering from spinal cord lesions and neurogenic bladder problems. These products are preferred over indwelling catheters as the latter usually lead to UTIs. Furthermore, the availability of reimbursement for these catheters under Medicaid and Medicare programs is contributing to the segment’s growth.
External catheters are projected to be the fastest-growing product segment over the forecast period. These catheters are used for male patients as an excellent option to other catheters, such as inhabiting catheters, which require introduction through the urethra. Also, for many patients who prefer self-catheterization, male external catheters are the primary choice, in cases of UI/urine retention. These catheters are also available in a variety of styles and sizes giving users many alternatives to choose from depending on their needs. Major companies offer advanced external catheter products. For instance, BD (C.R. Bard) provides an exclusive range of male catheters, such as ULTRAFLEX male external catheter, which provides secure placement as compared to non-silicon sheaths.
The Urinary Incontinence (UI) segment led the market in 2024 and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 38.0%. According to the American Urological Association, one-third of the population suffers from UI, & it is more common among women than in men. It has a significant impact on long-term care facilities and is one of the main reasons for the admission of elderly people in institutionalized care. Bladder incontinence is a result of various factors, such as changes in the urinary tract due to age, UTIs, and other indirect conditions like diabetes, stroke, cancer, and mobility impairment. The most common types of UI found in women include stress and urge incontinence. For instance, according to Urology Care Foundation, around 33 million people are living with overactive bladder and a quarter to a third of men and women suffer from UI in the U.S.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) & prostate surgeries segment is projected to be the fastest-growing application segment in the forecast period due to increasing awareness about BPH and its impact on the quality of life. BPH is also known as prostate gland enlargement, a common medical condition in male patients aged 50 years and above. This can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blockages in the flow of urine. It can be treated through minimally invasive surgeries, which help relieve the blockage and urinary retention caused by BPH & prostate. In addition, as per the Statistical Centers of National Spinal Cord Injury “Figure and Facts at a Glance 2020”, around 294,000 people in the U.S. are living with spinal cord injury, where around 17,810 people are diagnosed with spinal cord injury each year.
North America dominated the global market in 2024 with a revenue share of over 34.4% and is expected to witness substantial growth in the future as well. The regional market is mainly driven by the rising incidence of targeted diseases, such as bladder obstruction, UI, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), urinary retention, and bladder cancer. According to the National Association for Continence, people aged 40 & more are commonly affected by Overactive Bladder (OAB) and urine urgency. According to American Society of Nephrology, urologic conditions are the third most common complaint among people aged 65 & above in the U.S., accounting for approximately 47% of the total number of physician visits. Similarly, as per the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2020, around 12,200 people were diagnosed with bladder cancer, and 2,600 people died due to bladder cancer. Thus, an increasing number of BPH-related surgical procedures and rising cases of bladder cancer are driving the market in North America.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing regional market during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of spinal cord injury, BPH, and UTI is driving the regional market. UTI is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in this region. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in hospitals, and puts a substantial financial burden on the community. Thus, rising risks of UTI, particularly in women with increasing age, constipation, vaginal deliveries, parity, obesity, surgery, and chronic respiratory problems, are driving the market in Asia Pacific. Moreover, increasing government spending and investment by key players operating in the market, and awareness programs by various organizations are further expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in India, the Urological Society of India drafted guidelines for spreading awareness about urinary incontinence in India. Similarly, the Korean Incontinence Society, in South Korea, is working towards spreading awareness about urology issues related to the pelvic floor and lower urinary tract. Thus, these factors are expected to boost the market during the forecast period.
This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2034. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the urinary catheters market
By Product
By Application
By Type
By Gender
By End-user
By Regional