U.S. Contraceptive Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Pills, Intrauterine Devices (IUD), Condoms, Vaginal Ring, Subdermal Implants, Injectable), And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

U.S. Contraceptive Market Size & Trends

The U.S. contraceptive market was estimated at USD 8.76 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2024 to 2030. The increase in the use of modern contraceptives and the rise in awareness among adolescents and young people about sexual health and family planning are key factors driving the U.S. market growth. Moreover, government programs have led to an increase in access to contraceptives that help prevent unwanted pregnancies in teenagers.

The increasing number of unwanted pregnancies and growing awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are driving market growth. According to the CDC's National Health Statistics Reports published in December 2023, the most common methods of contraception used by women in the U.S. were: 94.5% of the women had used the male condom with a partner, 79.8% used a contraceptive pill, and around 65.7% used withdrawal method in contraceptive. In addition, other methods included long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine device or contraceptive implant) by 24.9% of women and emergency contraception by 23.5%. Women and couples are using contraceptives to promote healthier pregnancies, space out births, and achieve their needed family size, leading to growth in contraceptives in the country.

Furthermore, the development, approval, and commercialization of new, more effective, and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. For Instance, in August 2020, the U.S. FDA approved Phexxi, a nonhormonal form of birth control for women, which helped regulate vaginal pH levels. In addition, the launch of generic and low-cost drugs and devices has led to an increase in the demand for contraceptives by teenagers as well. In April 2022, Reckitt Benckiser launched a new condom category, Durex Intense, which was targeted at the female consumer pool by claiming that it enhanced stimulation and pleasure.

Industry Dynamics

The chart below illustrates the relationship between market concentration, market characteristics, and market participants. The x-axis represents the level of market concentration, ranging from low to high. The y-axis represents various market characteristics, including industry competition, degree of innovation, level of M&A activities, the impact of regulations, product expansion, and geographic expansion. For instance, the market is highly competitive, with the presence of many small to mid-sized companies in the market. The degree of innovation is high, and the level of M&A activities is also moderate. The impact of regulations on the market is high, and the geographical expansion of the market is medium.

The demand for nonhormonal contraceptives in the U.S. is increasing as they eliminate the risk of adverse effects associated with hormonal imbalances in the body. Companies operating in contraceptive markets have a significant opportunity to introduce advanced versions of nonhormonal contraceptive products. For instance, DARÉ BIOSCIENCE, INC.’s Ovaprene, which is a hormone-free, intravaginal ring that releases spermicides and a polymer barrier in the form of a mesh, preventing entry of sperm into the cervical canal, is in the development stage.

The impact of regulations on the use of contraceptives in the U.S. is significant. The U.S. FDA is the regulatory authority that reviews pharmaceutical & biological products intended for sale and marketing in the U.S. To commercialize a hormonal product, a New Drug Application (NDA) under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, which is under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, must be submitted to the FDA for filing and premarket review. The FDA approval process for new contraceptive devices-such as diaphragms and inert intrauterine devices-is similar to that for drugs. The U.S. FDA regulates condoms under Class II medical devices.

The level of mergers and acquisitions in the industry remains moderate due to the strict regulations and approvals required to increase the presence of contraceptive products. However, companies utilize M&A to gain access to new distribution channels, enhance their research and development capabilities, and consolidate their market positions. For instance, in December 2022, Linden Capital Partners acquired LifeStyles Healthcare, a sexual health and wellness platform provider, from stakeholders, including Humanwell Healthcare and Trustar Capita.

The U.S. market is experiencing significant geographical expansion, driven by various factors, including increasing awareness, changing consumer preferences, and technological advancements. For instance, in February 2024, Bayer and Daré Bioscience collaborated to develop Ovaprene, an investigational hormone-free monthly contraceptive. This device is designed as an intravaginal ring that provides contraception for three weeks without requiring any action from the user at the time of intercourse.

Product Insights

Based on product, the oral contraceptive pills segment dominated the market, accounting for the largest share of 36.94% in 2023. This segment growth is due to the popularity of pills among young women in the U.S., which can be attributed to safety and ease of administration. Moreover, contraceptive pills are also one of the most cost-effective methods of contraception, with around 93% effectiveness. These medicines are available only via a gynecologist’s prescription and can be used for other conditions as well, such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, endometriosis, and others. Oral contraceptives have been in the U.S. market since long and its availability has led to women’s economic empowerment.

Furthermore, the availability of advanced and generic versions of oral contraceptive pills is expected to boost the growth of the pills market in the U.S. Several international pharmaceutical companies have launched generic versions of oral contraceptives, which has significantly increased access to pills in low-income areas of the country. For instance, in April 2021, Mayne Pharma announced FDA-approved Nextstellis, marketed as the only contraceptive pill containing naturally occurring estrogen.

However, the subdermal implants segment is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period. Contraceptive implants are flexible and small plastic rods that are placed under the skin of the upper arm, which release progestogen in the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Subdermal implants are more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and are a cost-effective method as they protect for up to 3 years. Moreover, women have also reported experiencing the natural return of fertility after the removal of the subdermal implants. Hence, the subdural implants are gaining popularity in the U.S. market.

Key U.S. Contraceptive Company Insights

The regional market is highly competitive due to the presence of several companies. Most of the companies are undertaking strategic initiatives, such as investments in R&D to develop innovative products and gain a competitive edge over others. High investments by prominent companies in the commercialization of effective and long-term reversible contraceptives have increased awareness levels about these products.  

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, Agile Therapeutics, Inc., a company focused on women's healthcare, merged with Insud Pharma, S.L., a global pharmaceutical organization based in Spain that operates in over 50 countries. This merger will combine Agile Therapeutics with Exeltis, Insud Pharma's U.S. subsidiary, enhancing its previously extensive portfolio in women's health and contraceptive products.

• In June 2023, the FDA approved the norgestrel tablet Opill for over-the-counter use to prevent pregnancy, making it the first daily oral contraceptive of its type in the United States.

U.S. Contraceptive Market Report Scope

U.S. Contraceptive Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. contraceptive market report based on product:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pills

  • Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

    • Hormonal IUD

    • Nonhormonal IUD

  • Condoms

    • Male Condoms

    • Female Condoms

  • Vaginal Ring

  • Subdermal Implants

  • Injectable

  • Others