Hormonal Contraceptive Market Expected to Reach $26.6 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Hormonal Contraceptive Market," The hormonal contraceptive market was valued at $17.3 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $26.6 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2035.

The major factors driving the hormonal contraceptive market growth are rise in government and NGO initiatives for family planning, increase in awareness and education about contraceptives, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and surge in disposable income. Government and non-governmental organization (NGO) initiatives play a crucial role in driving the growth of the hormonal contraceptive market by expanding access, improving affordability, and increasing awareness regarding family planning. Many governments globally implement family planning programs that provide subsidized or free hormonal contraceptives, particularly in under developed and developing regions where access to reproductive healthcare is limited. 

For instance, in 2023, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through its Supplies Partnership procured $136 million worth of contraceptives, which is estimated to have prevented nearly 10 million unintended pregnancies and over 200,000 maternal and newborn deaths. It is estimated these contraceptives also prevented nearly 3 million unsafe abortions. National policies promoting contraceptive use, along with funding from global organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), further support the hormonal contraceptive market opportunity.  

In addition, NGOs actively engage in educational campaigns to reduce stigma and misconceptions about contraceptive use, leading to higher adoption rates. Programs such as United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) family planning initiatives and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s reproductive health projects focus on distributing hormonal contraceptives to underserved populations. These efforts not only enhance accessibility but also encourage innovation in contraceptive methods, driving demand for new and more effective hormonal options. As a result, government and NGO-led initiatives continue to be a significant driver of the hormonal contraceptive market forecast. 

The hormonal contraceptive market is segmented on the basis of product, hormones, age group, end user, and region. On the basis of product, the market is divided into oral contraceptive pills, injectable birth control, emergency contraceptive pills, and vaginal rings, transdermal patches, and IUS & implants. The oral contraceptive pills segment was the major revenue contributor to the hormonal contraceptive market size in 2023. This is attributed to their widespread adoption, ease of use, and high efficacy in preventing pregnancy.

Availability of oral contraceptives in both combination and progestin-only formulations allows healthcare providers to tailor prescriptions based on individual patient needs, increasing their appeal. Furthermore, availability of a wide range of brands and generic alternatives has made them accessible to diverse consumer segments, thereby driving the hormonal contraceptive market growth.

However, the IUS and implants segment is expected to register highest CAGR to the hormonal contraceptive market share as IUS and implants offer long-term, highly effective contraception with minimal user intervention, making them increasingly popular among women seeking convenient and reliable birth control options. The IUS, in particular, provides extended contraception that can last for several years, with some devices offering up to five years of protection. Also, implants are gaining traction due to their high efficacy, with a failure rate of less than 1%, making them a preferred choice for women who want reliable and reversible contraception. 

On the basis of hormones, the market is divided into progestin only contraceptive, and combined hormonal contraceptive. The combined hormonal contraceptive segment was the major revenue contributor to the hormonal contraceptive market size in 2023. This is attributed to its high efficacy, widespread availability, and diverse product offerings. Combined hormonal contraceptive, which contain both estrogen and progestin, are preferred by a large segment of the population as they provide reliable pregnancy prevention while offering additional benefits such as reduced menstrual irregularities, lighter periods, and decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Availability of various formulations, including oral pills, transdermal patches, and vaginal rings, has contributed to their market dominance by catering to different user preferences.  

However, the progestin only contraceptive segment is expected to register highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to rise in preference for non-estrogen-based contraceptives, particularly among women with contraindications to estrogen or those who experience side effects from estrogen-containing method.  

On the basis of age group, the market is segmented on the basis of 15 to 24 years, 25 to 34 years, 35 to 44 years, and above 44 years. The 15 to 24 years segment was the major revenue contributor to the hormonal contraceptive industry in 2023 and is expected to register highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to high rate of contraceptive adoption among young women seeking to prevent unintended pregnancies. The greater access to contraception through family planning programs, and the growing influence of educational initiatives that promote contraceptive use are key factors contributing in growing adoption of hormonal contraceptives in 15 to 24 years age group.  

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, household, and clinics. The household segment was the highest revenue contributor to the hormonal contraceptive industry in 2023 and is expected to register highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to rise in awareness about family planning, rise in availability of over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive options, and growing preferences for self-administered birth control methods. Improved access to hormonal contraceptives, including oral pills, and patches, has enabled individuals to obtain and use these products conveniently at home. In addition, the widespread adoption of digital health platforms and telemedicine services has facilitated easier consultations and prescription refills, further driving demand in the household segment. 

On the basis of region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. North America accounted for a majority of the hormonal contraceptive market share in 2023 and is anticipated to remain dominant during the forecast period. This is attributed to strong presence of key players, well developed healthcare infrastructure, and high levels of public awareness regarding reproductive health.  

However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to development of pharmaceutical industries in countries such as India and Japan, which are addressing the rise in demand for women's health products. In addition, increase in public awareness and rise in government initiatives are expected to further boost the adoption of hormonal contraceptives in the Asia-Pacific region, these are also the hormonal contraceptive market trends.

Key Findings of the Study 

• By product, the oral contraceptive pills segment was the highest contributor to the hormonal contraceptive industry in 2023. However, IUS and implant segment is expected to register highest CAGR in forecasted period.
• By hormone, the combined hormonal contraceptive segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2023. However, progestin only contraceptive segment is expected to register highest CAGR in forecasted period.
• By age group, 15-24 years segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2023 and is also expected to register highest CAGR in forecasted period 
• By end user, the household segment dominated the market in 2023, and is expected to continue this trend during the forecast period. 
• By region, North America garnered the largest revenue share in 2023. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.