Silicone Based Catheters Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The silicone-based catheters market is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 240.905 million by 2028, up from US$ 150.866 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028.

This report outlines the prevailing trends in the market and identifies key factors contributing to its expansion. The growth of the silicone-based catheters market is primarily driven by the rising incidence of urinary incontinence and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), alongside an increase in surgical procedures. However, the risk of bacterial infections associated with prolonged catheter use poses a challenge to market growth.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant health issue linked to various medical conditions. It can range from occasional leakage to complete loss of bladder control, affecting a large segment of the global population. Factors contributing to urinary incontinence include rising obesity rates, an aging population, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, prostate cancer, kidney disorders, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and lifestyle-related stress.

According to the National Institutes of Health (2016), there are approximately 617 million individuals worldwide aged 65 and older. This demographic is expected to expand notably, particularly in regions like Africa, North America, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. Urinary incontinence is especially prevalent among the elderly, often linked to conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, prostate enlargement, and cancer. The burden of UI is expected to increase as the elderly population grows. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2014 indicated that nearly 44% of individuals aged 65 and above in the US reported experiencing bladder incontinence. Similarly, a 2018 report from Age UK noted that around 3.2 million people over 65 suffer from urinary incontinence. Thus, the rising incidence of urinary incontinence is a significant driver for the silicone-based catheters market.

The global silicone-based catheters market is categorized by application into segments such as urinary tract infection (UTI)/catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), surgeries involving the genitourinary tract, prostate gland surgeries, spinal cord injuries, and others. In 2021, the UTI/CAUTI segment held the largest market share, while the prostate gland surgery segment is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

In terms of usage, the market is divided into male, female, and pediatric categories. The female segment dominated the market in 2021 and is expected to maintain the highest growth rate from 2021 to 2028. The market is also segmented by catheter tip type into Nelaton and Tiemann tips, with the Nelaton tip segment holding a larger share in 2021 and anticipated to grow at a higher rate in the coming years.

Furthermore, the silicone-based catheters market is classified by product type into short-term Foley catheters, long-term Foley catheters, and others. The short-term Foley catheters segment was the largest in 2021 and is expected to continue leading the market during the forecast period. The market is also segmented by catheter type into two-way sizes (6 to 26 Fr) and three-way sizes (16 to 26 Fr), with the two-way sizes segment holding a larger market share in 2021 and projected to grow at a higher CAGR.

By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and others, with hospitals holding the largest market share in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on the silicone-based catheters market. Prior to the pandemic, hospitalization rates were on the rise, driven by an increase in urological procedures requiring catheterization. For instance, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reported that 19.2 million ambulatory surgeries were performed in US community hospitals in 2018. However, the pandemic led to the postponement or cancellation of nonessential surgeries, severely impacting the healthcare system and the catheters market. Despite this, self-catheterization gained traction during the pandemic, supporting patients in home care settings.

Companies in the silicone-based catheters market have adopted various organic and inorganic growth strategies. Many focus on organic growth through product launches and approvals, while inorganic strategies include acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These strategies have enabled market players to expand their operations and enhance their geographic reach. Notable developments include:

• In September 2019, ConvaTec Group Plc acquired the assets of Southlake Medical Supplies, Inc., a Texas-based provider of catheter-related supplies.


• In March 2021, Bactiguard published a randomized, controlled multicenter study in India demonstrating that urinary catheters with Bactiguard's infection prevention coating reduced the risk of CAUTI by 69% compared to standard catheters.

Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report include the National Center for Health Statistics (part of the US Department of Health & Human Services), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).