Hormonal Contraceptives Market To Hit US$ 24.6 Billion By 2032

Introduction

New York, NY – January 8, 2025 – Global Hormonal Contraceptives Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 24.6 Billion by 2032 from US$ 17.3 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, North America led the market, achieving over 37.5% share with a revenue of US$ 7.13 Billion.

Hormonal contraceptives are synthetic hormone-based medications designed to prevent pregnancy. They work by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and altering the uterine lining to prevent fertilization and implantation. The global hormonal contraceptive market is growing rapidly, driven by increased awareness of family planning and reproductive health. The adoption of these contraceptives as a trusted method of birth control is also rising.

Key factors boosting the market include a stronger focus on women’s health and empowerment, government initiatives improving access to contraception, and efforts to curb sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 1.8% increase in the chlamydia rate among men, from 357.4 to 363.7 cases per 100,000, between 2021 and 2022, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.

Key Takeaways

• The Hormonal Contraceptives Market is projected to reach US$ 24.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2032.
• Hormonal contraceptives prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, or thickening cervical mucus.
• Oral contraceptive pills were the most widely used form in 2022.
• Combined hormonal contraceptives led the market by hormone type in 2022.
• Users aged 15 to 24 constituted the largest demographic group.
• The household segment accounted for the highest market share.
• North America dominated the market, holding a 37.5% share in 2022.
• Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective, preventing over 99% of unplanned pregnancies.
• Market growth is driven by increased awareness, supportive government policies, and improved accessibility.
• Leading companies are investing in R&D and new product launches to enhance offerings.
• Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone are the most commonly used products, favored for their convenience and accessibility.
• Global usage of oral contraceptives continues to rise, reflecting a growing focus on family planning and reproductive health awareness.
• Europe’s market is expanding due to increased product launches, government initiatives, and awareness campaigns.
• Major players in the market include Abbvie, Bayer, Pfizer, and others, contributing to market innovation and expansion.

Segmentation Analysis

• By Product Type: The oral contraceptive pills segment held the largest market share due to a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy. It is expected to maintain dominance during the forecast period. Vaginal rings are gaining popularity for their simplicity and fewer side effects, while injectable contraceptives face challenges due to side effects like weight gain and depression, with a 6% failure rate.
• By Hormone Type: The combined hormonal contraceptives segment led the market, driven by increased awareness and government initiatives. These products enhance hormonal balance and reduce unplanned pregnancies, contributing to market growth.
• By Age of User: The 15–24 years age group dominated the market due to rising awareness of hormonal contraceptives, addressing issues like unplanned and adolescent pregnancies. This segment is expected to grow further during the forecast period.
• By End-User: The household segment held the largest share, attributed to the ease of access and availability of contraceptives. This segment supports improved maternal and infant health and is expected to remain dominant in the future.

Key Player Recent Developments

• Bayer AG’s Acquisition of KaNDy Therapeutics Ltd. (August 2020): In August 2020, Bayer AG acquired UK-based biotech company KaNDy Therapeutics Ltd. to expand its women’s healthcare pipeline. This strategic acquisition aimed to enhance Bayer’s position in the hormonal contraceptives market by incorporating KaNDy’s innovative non-hormonal, once-daily, oral neurokinin-1,3 receptor antagonist, NT-814, which was in Phase IIb clinical trials for treating menopausal symptoms.
• Merck & Co., Inc.’s Launch of NEXPLANON in the U.S. (November 2011): In November 2011, Merck & Co., Inc. announced the U.S. launch of NEXPLANON (etonogestrel implant) 68 mg, a long-acting, progestin-only single-rod hormonal contraceptive effective for up to three years. NEXPLANON is a radiopaque implant inserted subdermally in the upper arm, providing women with a reliable contraceptive option.
• Pfizer Inc.’s Termination of Proposed Combination with Allergan (April 2016): In April 2016, Pfizer Inc. announced the mutual termination of its merger agreement with Allergan plc. The decision followed actions by the U.S. Department of Treasury, which the companies concluded qualified as an “Adverse Tax Law Change” under the merger agreement. This termination impacted Pfizer’s strategic positioning in various pharmaceutical sectors, including hormonal contraceptives.
• Merck & Co., Inc.’s Acquisition of Alydia Health (March 2021): In March 2021, Merck & Co., Inc. announced the acquisition of Alydia Health on behalf of its planned spinoff of Organon & Co. Alydia Health is a medical device company focused on preventing maternal morbidity and mortality caused by postpartum hemorrhage. This acquisition underscored Organon’s commitment to improving women’s health, complementing its portfolio in hormonal contraceptives.
• Bayer AG’s Collaboration with Daré Bioscience (March 2024): In March 2024, Bayer AG announced a collaboration with Daré Bioscience to develop Ovaprene, a hormone-free, monthly contraceptive vaginal ring. This innovative product combines complementary approaches to potentially offer efficacy comparable to existing non-hormonal, non-permanent birth control options, expanding Bayer’s contraceptive product line.

Emerging Trends

• Over-the-Counter Access to Oral Contraceptives: In March 2024, the United States witnessed the introduction of Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill, enhancing accessibility for individuals seeking contraceptive options without a prescription. This development aims to reduce barriers to contraception, particularly for those facing challenges in accessing healthcare providers.
• Increased Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): There is a growing preference for LARCs, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal implants, due to their efficacy and convenience. These methods require minimal user intervention and offer prolonged protection against pregnancy, contributing to their rising popularity among various age groups.
• Development of Non-Hormonal Contraceptive Methods: Research is ongoing into non-hormonal contraceptive options to cater to individuals seeking alternatives due to health concerns or side effects associated with hormonal methods. Innovations include the development of hormone-free vaginal rings and advancements in fertility awareness-based methods.
• Emphasis on Male Contraceptive Solutions: Efforts are underway to develop male contraceptive methods, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, to share the responsibility of family planning. Research focuses on creating safe, effective, and reversible methods, such as male hormonal contraceptive gels and pills.
• Integration of Digital Health Technologies: The incorporation of digital health tools, such as mobile applications for contraceptive management and telehealth services, is enhancing user education and adherence. These technologies provide personalized information, reminders, and access to healthcare professionals, improving the overall contraceptive experience.

Use Cases

• Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Hormonal contraceptives, such as combined oral contraceptive pills, are commonly prescribed to regulate irregular menstrual cycles. By providing consistent hormone levels, they help establish predictable bleeding patterns, alleviate menstrual irregularities, and reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps. This regulation can improve quality of life for individuals experiencing disruptive menstrual symptoms.
• Management of Menstrual Disorders: Hormonal contraceptives are utilized in managing conditions like menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and dysmenorrhea (painful periods). By modulating hormonal fluctuations, these contraceptives can reduce menstrual flow and alleviate pain, providing relief to individuals affected by these disorders.
• Treatment of Acne and Hirsutism: Certain hormonal contraceptives are effective in treating acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) by suppressing ovarian androgen production. This reduction in androgens decreases sebum production and hair growth, aiding in the management of these conditions.
• Prevention of Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers: Long-term use of combined hormonal contraceptives has been associated with a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. The protective effect increases with duration of use and can persist for years after discontinuation, offering a significant benefit beyond contraception.
• Management of Endometriosis: Hormonal contraceptives are a common treatment for endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. By suppressing ovulation and menstruation, these contraceptives can reduce endometrial tissue proliferation and alleviate associated pain.

Conclusion

The global hormonal contraceptives market demonstrates robust growth, driven by increasing awareness of family planning, improved accessibility, and supportive government initiatives. With a projected market value of USD 24.6 billion by 2032, the sector is expanding due to advancements in combined contraceptives, increased adoption among younger demographics, and innovations in long-acting and over-the-counter options.

Additionally, applications in menstrual regulation, acne treatment, and cancer prevention further enhance their appeal. Efforts in R&D and strategic collaborations by major players like Bayer and Merck continue to fuel innovation. These developments underscore hormonal contraceptives’ critical role in advancing reproductive health and women’s empowerment globally.

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