United Kingdom Contraceptive Devices Market Size

United Kingdom Contraceptive Devices Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Contraceptive Devices Market size is estimated at USD 395.62 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 524.45 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the growth of the studied market due to disruptions in global supply chains. According to an article published in March 2022 in Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, the use of long-acting contraceptives decreased significantly during the initial phase of the pandemic. Implants decreased by 76%, intrauterine systems by 79%, and intrauterine devices by 76%.
• Over the first three months of the lockdown, prescriptions for intrauterine and implant contraceptives decreased by 75%, which led to an increase in unwanted pregnancies in the country. A news report published in October 2021 revealed that women were nine times more likely to experience access issues to contraception during the first lockdown. This issue led to a near doubling of unexpected births from 1.3% before the lockdown to 2.1% post-lockdown.
• However, with the release of COVID-19 restrictions and the resumption of services, the market recovered post-pandemic, and a stable growth rate is expected during the forecast period. Several factors are propelling the market growth, including increasing awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), rising rates of unintended pregnancies, and an increase in government initiatives. The imperative of reducing unplanned pregnancies and their consequences is the key factor driving market growth in the United Kingdom.
• One of the significant drivers for this demand is the need to prevent unwanted pregnancies, particularly among teenage women. According to 2021 statistics published by the UK government, 214,256 abortions were reported in England and Wales in 2021. In addition, 89% of abortions were performed in women under 10 weeks in 2021 compared to 88% in the previous year, indicating a rising number of abortions in the country. This trend is expected to increase the demand for contraceptive devices among the population, thereby propelling the market growth.
• Strategic initiatives by market players also contribute to market growth. For instance, in December 2021, Gedeon Richter UK Ltd became a marketing authorization holder (MAH) for Evra, a once-weekly transdermal contraceptive patch for women of fertile age in the United Kingdom. Such authorizations are expected to increase the availability of contraceptive devices in the country during the forecast period.
• However, the side effects associated with the use of contraceptive devices are likely to restrain market growth over the forecast period. Despite this limitation, owing to factors such as rising demand for contraceptive devices and increasing awareness about these devices, the studied market is anticipated to witness growth over the analysis period.