USA External Catheters for Women Market Outlook to 2030

USA External Catheters for Women Market Overview

• The USA external catheters for women market, based on five-year historical data, is valued at USD 345 million. The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of urological disorders among women, coupled with the growing elderly population that requires external urinary catheters due to urinary incontinence and related issues. Advances in catheter technology and increasing awareness about women's health have further fueled the market's growth.
• Dominant regions in this market include New York, California, and Texas. These areas dominate due to their large aging populations, high healthcare expenditure, and better access to healthcare services, which leads to a greater demand for innovative medical devices. Additionally, their progressive healthcare systems and infrastructure foster quicker adoption of advanced urinary catheters for women.
• Medicare and Medicaid policies in the U.S. play a pivotal role in the adoption of external catheters. In 2024, nearly 75% of catheter-related costs for elderly women were covered by Medicare, making it easier for patients to access these devices. Reimbursement policies have been updated to include more non-invasive and advanced catheter solutions, reflecting the growing demand for safer, less intrusive options in urinary care. This ensures broader access to external catheters for women, particularly in underserved communities.

USA External Catheters for Women Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The USA external catheters for women market is segmented by product type into silicone-based catheters, latex-free catheters, and cloth-based catheters. Silicone-based catheters dominate the market, primarily due to their superior biocompatibility, reduced risk of infections, and durability compared to other materials. These catheters offer greater comfort for long-term use, which is especially crucial for elderly patients. The increasing focus on producing eco-friendly and hypoallergenic catheters further boosts the demand for silicone-based products.

By Application: The USA external catheters for women market is segmented by application into homecare settings, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Homecare settings lead this segment due to the growing trend of home-based healthcare. With rising healthcare costs, more patients and caregivers prefer managing urological care at home. The convenience and ease of use of external catheters make them an ideal solution for patients who require assistance at home but seek to maintain comfort and independence.

USA External Catheters for Women Market Competitive Landscape

The USA external catheters for women market is dominated by key global and regional players, who focus on innovation, expanding product portfolios, and strategic partnerships to maintain their competitive edge. The competitive landscape of this market includes established players like Hollister Incorporated, Coloplast A/S, and B. Braun Melsungen AG. These companies have a strong presence due to their wide distribution networks, advanced R&D, and continuous product innovation. The market also features smaller, niche players focusing on personalized and eco-friendly solutions.

USA External Catheters for Women Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Prevalence of Urological Disorders: In 2024, over 20 million women in the U.S. are affected by some form of urological disorder, such as urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This has been a significant driver of demand for external catheters tailored to female anatomy. Increased prevalence of these disorders among aging women is pushing healthcare providers to seek advanced, non-invasive urinary management options like external catheters, enhancing patient comfort and minimizing infections.
• Advancements in Female Urinary Catheter Design: Recent innovations in catheter design, including the development of soft, silicone-based catheters that better fit female anatomy, are reshaping the market. In 2023, several medical device companies received FDA clearance for new designs that significantly reduce discomfort and infection rates. For instance, one FDA-cleared catheter in 2023 was designed with antimicrobial coatings, helping to lower the risk of urinary tract infections by 15%. These product advancements have contributed to increased market adoption among healthcare providers and patients.
• Rise in Elderly Population: The U.S. elderly population, particularly women aged 65 and above, is expected to reach nearly 56 million by 2025. In 2024, elderly women constituted 60% of the U.S. population requiring urinary catheterization due to age-related bladder control issues. This demographic shift has significantly driven the demand for external catheters, which are seen as a safer and more comfortable option for elderly patients compared to traditional invasive methods. Aging demographics are a key growth factor for the external catheter market.

Challenges

• Risk of Infections: The CDC reported that in 2023, approximately 560,000 catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) were recorded in the U.S., a substantial percentage of which occurred in female patients. Although external catheters are less invasive, improper use or prolonged application can still result in infection, making it critical for manufacturers to prioritize the development of safer, infection-resistant designs.
• High Cost of Advanced External Catheters: While advanced external catheters offer improved safety and comfort, their higher cost compared to traditional catheters remains a challenge for widespread adoption. In 2024, the average cost of an advanced external catheter is nearly 30% higher than that of a traditional Foley catheter. Many healthcare facilities, particularly those operating under budget constraints, are reluctant to adopt these newer technologies, posing a challenge for market growth in the coming years.

USA External Catheters for Women Market Future Outlook

USA external catheters for women market is expected to grow significantly due to increased awareness around female urological health, advancements in catheter technology, and rising investments in healthcare infrastructure. The push towards non-invasive solutions, coupled with biocompatible material innovation, will drive market growth. Additionally, the growing trend of home-based healthcare, supported by telehealth and remote monitoring technologies, will continue to enhance demand for external catheters in the homecare segment.

Market Opportunities

• Increased Adoption in Homecare Settings: With the shift toward more home-based healthcare, external catheters for women have seen growing adoption in homecare settings. In 2024, it was estimated that nearly 40% of catheter users in the U.S. are being managed in homecare environments, driven by an aging population and the preference for non-invasive options. External catheters, due to their ease of use and reduced infection risk, are well-suited for homecare use, providing significant growth opportunities as healthcare trends continue to move away from institutional care.
• Growth in Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: The integration of external catheters with telehealth platforms is opening up new opportunities for market growth. In 2024, nearly 30 million U.S. citizens were regularly using telehealth services, a number driven by post-pandemic healthcare shifts. Devices equipped with sensors and wireless monitoring capabilities allow for remote management of urinary conditions, reducing the need for in-person visits.