What is the urinary catheters market?

A urinary catheter is a flexible, hollow tube designed to drain urine from the bladder into a collection bag. It is typically made from materials such as rubber, silicone, or plastic. When the bladder cannot be emptied naturally, urine buildup can create pressure on the kidneys. If left untreated, this pressure can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage or failure.

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Market Overview & Estimation

The urinary catheters market was valued at approximately USD 5.90 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed USD 10.15 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2024 and 2033. This steady expansion is fueled by an aging global population, rising incidence of urinary disorders (including urinary retention, incontinence, and prostate-related conditions), expanding home healthcare adoption, and rapid technological advancements such as hydrophilic coatings and antimicrobial solutions.

Key Highlights from the Report

Key insights from leading market analyses include:

• North America contributed over 35% of global market share in 2023, driven by strong healthcare infrastructure and favorable reimbursement systems.
  

• Intermittent catheters comprised approximately 58% of global revenues in 2023, offering lower risk of infection and optimal patient autonomy.
  

• Coated catheters dominated material segments and held nearly 60% share in 2025, reflecting growing use of antimicrobial and hydrophilic coatings.
  

• Indwelling (Foley) catheters—especially silicone and 2-way designs—generated USD 3.2 billion in revenue in 2023, bolstered by improved safety and comfort.
  

• PVC catheters remained the most widely used material, accounting for roughly USD 2.3 billion in 2023, due to their affordability and flexibility.
  
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Market Segmentation

The urinary catheter market comprises various overlapping segments:

By Product Type, the industry is divided into intermittent, indwelling (Foley), and external catheters. Intermittent devices are becoming more popular owing to their reduced infection risk and patient empowerment. Indwelling catheters remain essential in clinical and critical care settings, with frequent upgrades in coating and material enhancing usability. External catheters—such as condom-style devices—are seeing rising adoption due to minimal invasiveness and ease of use, especially among male patients.

By Type, catheters are further classified into coated versus uncoated; coated variants, particularly hydrophilic and antimicrobial types, provide better user comfort and fewer complications, thus garnering nearly 60% market share.

By Material, PVC leads due to cost-effectiveness and flexibility, while silicone catheters are gaining ground (especially indwelling varieties) because of higher biocompatibility and reduced irritation.

By Application, urinary catheters serve conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), urinary incontinence, urinary retention, post-operation recovery, spinal cord injury, and bladder cancer. Trends show procedural use in hospitals and surgical centers remains dominant.

By End User, hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are the primary revenue sources, but growing use in home healthcare and long-term care facilities—linked to patient aging and convenience—is reshaping demand.

Regional Analysis

United States

The U.S. market was valued at USD 1.744 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 2.308 billion by 2030, reflecting a 4.8% CAGR from 2025–2030. Contributing factors include a mature regulatory environment, strong reimbursement systems, and technological adoption. Notable innovations like antimicrobial coatings and FDA-approved advanced catheters are driving market penetration.

Recent mergers, such as Boston Scientific’s acquisition of Axonics and Teleflex’s purchase of Palette Life Sciences, underscore the strategic focus on urological solutions. Additionally, U.S. dominance is further reflected in indwelling catheter uptake—accounting for over 93% share—and broader healthcare and surgical infrastructure supporting catheter use.

Japan

Japan’s urinary catheter market was valued at USD 119 million in 2024, and is forecasted to reach USD 166 million by 2034, with a CAGR of 3.4%. The country holds a pivotal East Asia position, powered by a rapidly aging demographic and seasoned healthcare technologies. Technological traction includes hydrophilic and antimicrobial catheter types.

Advanced hospital protocols and government investment in urology infrastructure further support market gains. In 2023, Foley catheters generated approximately USD 70 million, with a projected expansion to USD 106 million by 2030—a 6.1% CAGR. Local innovation, such as Japanese nipro medical and Otsuka’s intermittent catheters, play strong roles alongside global brands.

Latest News & Trends

United States

Innovation in catheter technologies is accelerating in the U.S., with hydrophilic coatings and antimicrobial designs reducing infection rates. The American Urological Association’s Innovation Nexus highlights growing startup involvement in catheter tech. Recent acquisitions—for example, Teleflex’s buyout of gel-based Palette Life Sciences—highlight industry consolidation. Partnerships like Bactiguard with BD are expanding access to coated Foley catheters.

Japan

In Japan, clinical guidelines are increasingly regulating catheter usage, enhancing safety and efficacy. Domestic brands and startups are collaborating with hospitals to integrate advanced catheter systems. Also, environmental priorities are leading to evaluation of catheter disposal and recycling methods.

Top 5 Key Players & Recent Developments

The leading global players dominate the market:

1. Coloplast A/S – Specialty in coated and intermittent catheter technologies.
   

2. B. Braun Melsungen AG – Strong in PVC and silicone devices, with vast hospital networks.
   

3. BD (C.R. Bard) – Leader in indwelling catheters, with strong innovation in coatings.
   

4. Boston Scientific – Active in strategic acquisitions, expanding urology portfolios.
   

5. Teleflex, Inc. – Acquired Palette Life Sciences for catheter innovation and additive features.

Other major competitors include Medtronic, Hollister, Cook Medical, ConvaTec, and Terumo (which acquired Sequent Medical), all emphasizing R&D and geographic expansion.

Emerging Technologies & Research

Cutting-edge research is focused on reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). A recent study demonstrated AI-designed catheter geometries that dramatically suppressed bacterial colonization, potentially extending safe indwelling time. Hydrophilic and antimicrobial coatings continue to evolve, while closed systems aim to enhance sterility in home-care contexts.