Intrauterine contraceptive devices - a way of birth control for a prolonged period

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), often found in T-shape, are inserted in the uterus in order to prevent conception. The arms of the device are fold flat helping to insert inside the womb and its size is like a match stick, so that it fits properly inside the womb. These devices include either copper or levonorgestrel, which helps in birth control by creating difficulty for the sperm to fertilize the egg. Intrauterine contraceptive devices are usually a form of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), which aids in birth control for an extended period of time. The approximate tenure of these devices lie between 5 to 8 years. These devices have resulted in huge satisfaction rates among the users of reversible contraceptives due to their cost-effectiveness. Copper IUD is also used after an unprotected sex as an emergency contraceptive. Intrauterine contraceptive devices do not have a negative impact on breastfeeding, when they are inserted immediately after delivery. These are also used immediately after abortion. Once removed, fertility is restored back to normal. These devices are inserted with the help of healthcare professionals. According to an article published by Patient, a web-based health information platform, IUDs are very effective as 1 to 2 out of every 100 women will become pregnant after 5 years of using the device. The non-users of this device, who are sexually active, become pregnant and the count reaches to 80 out of 100 women within 1 year.

Unplanned pregnancy is a major driver for intrauterine contraceptive devices

Rising prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and less side-effects pertaining to these devices are some of the drivers impacting the demand for intrauterine contraceptive devices market. Moreover, with the use of such devices there is no requirement of a new contraception every day, as in case of contraceptive pills. Moreover, intrauterine contraceptive devices do not impact the user’s mood, libido and weight and does not even carry the risk for cancer in future. However, use of intrauterine contraceptive devices may lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, resulting into painful cramps, which is projected to impede the growth of the market. In addition, the demand for contraceptive pills for shorter period usage is expected to hinder the demand for the devices. Need for continuous assistance of healthcare professionals is also restraining the market towards growth.

Hormonal IUCD has low failure rate as compared to copper IUD

On the basis of product, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) are segmented as hormonal IUD and copper IUD. In the first year of usage of the device, failure rate with hormonal IUD is around 0.2% whereas failure rate with copper IUD is around 0.8%.

On the basis of end use, intrauterine contraceptive devices are classified under hospital, gynecology clinics and others. Based on geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.

Asia Pacific market to enhance the demand for intrauterine contraceptive devices

Asia Pacific is expected to hold a significant share for intrauterine contraceptive devices market owing to the rising number of unplanned pregnancy and thereby, greater usage of such devices in this region. Moreover, rising government initiatives focusing on improved healthcare in Asian countries are also supporting the growth of the market. Furthermore, technological advancements associated with these devices are accentuating their demand in North America, followed by Europe.

Some of the major companies indulging in the production of intrauterine contraceptive devices include Bayer HealthCare AG, Melbea AG, DKT International, Medicines360 and Egemen International among others. These companies are focusing on strategic initiatives and mergers and acquisitions in order to cater to the growing need of the target population. For instance, in 2015, Bayer HealthCare entered into a strategic partnership with Afaxys, Inc. in order to serve women in the U.S. The alliance will include Afaxys’ expertise and Bayer’s intrauterine device to serve the U.S. public health contraception market.

Key Developments

Focus on women’s health and guidelines by regulatory authorities is driving the market growth. For instance, in August 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revised its guidelines on contraceptive use in accordance with new evidence regarding high risk of HIV in women. The new guidelines state that women should have access to a range of options for contraception, HIV prevention, and treatment, such as progestogen-only injectables, implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Promotion strategies and educational campaigns undertaken by key players in the market are expected to increase health awareness among consumers, which, in turn, is expected to result in rising demand for IUDs. For instance, in February 2019, Bayer HealthCare AG started the first ever ad campaign regarding intrauterine devices (IUDs). The goal of the campaign is to explain the purpose of levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, and also provide basic knowledge about these devices.

Similarly, social marketing programs by market players aimed at providing family planning and HIV prevention solutions to women and couples in low and middle income countries are facilitating growth of the global intrauterine contraceptive devices market. According to DKT International’s Contraceptive Social Marketing (CSM) Statistics report released in October 2018, there has been a 6.8% increase from 2016, and a nearly 18% increase from 2015 in sale of nearly 1.8 billion condoms, 44 million injectable contraceptives, nearly 1.4 million implants, over 17.3 million emergency contraception (EC) pills, and 5.1 million IUDs.