U.S. Contraceptive Drugs Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, Product (Oral {Combined Contraceptives and Progestin-only Pills}, Injectable, and Patches), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Clinics, Online Channels, Public Channels & NGOs, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. contraceptive drugs market size was worth USD 6.25 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

The use of contraceptive drugs is an effective means to prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and manage birth rates. This includes oral pills, topical solutions, and injectable contraceptives.

Since the approval of the first birth control pill by the U.S. FDA in 1960, there has been a significant demand for these products. Recent years have seen a shift toward modern contraceptive methods such as injectables, oral pills, and topical drugs over traditional ones.

The U.S. market is witnessing increased penetration of contraceptive products due to concerns about rapidly increasing population numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2017 and 2019, 65.3% of women aged 15–49 used contraception, with 14.0% using oral contraceptive pills.

Additionally, the country has favorable reimbursement policies for contraceptive drugs, encouraging their adoption. The Affordable Care Act mandates private health plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods and counseling for women.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the market due to disruptions in the supply chain, family planning services, and contraception services. However, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, the market experienced strong growth in 2021, returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

LATEST TRENDS

Shift Toward Modern Contraceptive Methods Identified as a Significant Market Trend

In recent years, the country has seen a shift in preference from conventional methods to modern ones, such as over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive pills and topical drugs. Due to the limitations of conventional methods and the advantages of contraceptive pills, there's a growing adoption and demand for OTC drugs in the U.S. This trend has led to increased popularity among the general population. Notably, in June 2023, the regulatory body, the U.S. FDA, approved the first OTC birth control pill in the country.

This approval aligns the U.S. with around 100 other countries where nonprescription birth control pills are available for sale. This transition toward using OTC pills marks a significant trend in the market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Consumer Awareness About Birth Control Pills in the U.S. to Propel Market Growth

In the U.S., numerous not-for-profit organizations, along with national and state healthcare agencies, maintain a continuous focus on improving women’s sexual wellness and reproductive health. These entities have launched various public awareness campaigns and programs aimed at increasing awareness among the general population.

• For instance, in June 2023, the U.S. government issued a new order to enhance access to high-quality, affordable contraception across the country.

Additionally, several campaigns, such as the Free the Pill Campaign, the Public Education Campaign by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, initiatives to promote awareness of birth control benefits by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and others, are actively operating in the country. These factors are anticipated to contribute to market growth.

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According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in 2019, approximately 61.4% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 used some form of contraceptive method. Among these methods, 13.7% of women adopted female sterilization and pills, respectively.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects Associated with Usage of Contraceptive Drugs to Impede Market Growth  

One of the major factors restraining the U.S. contraceptive drugs market growth is the concerns associated with the prolonged use of these drugs. Long-term use can result in nausea, bleeding, weight gain, headaches, and other side effects. Additionally, hormonal contraceptives, which are based on estrogen and progesterone, are associated with the development of blood clots, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• For instance, according to data published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 2021, long-term consumption of birth control pills increases the risk of breast and cervical cancer.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

On the basis of product, the market is divided into oral, injectable, and patches.

The oral segment accounted for the largest U.S. contraceptive drugs market share in 2022. The high use of oral contraceptive pills in the country, along with several associated benefits, has primarily driven the growth of this segment. These advantages include clinical benefits over other contraceptive methods, easy administration, and the growing availability of these products in the market.

The patches segment is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. The increasing number of product approvals is driving the growth of this segment.

• For instance, in February 2020, the U.S. FDA approved the Twirla transdermal system manufactured by Agile Therapeutics Inc. to prevent pregnancy in women.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

By distribution channel, the market is classified into retail pharmacy, public channels & NGOs, hospital pharmacy, online channels, clinics, and others.

In 2022, the retail pharmacy segment held the leading share in the U.S. market. Factors contributing to the dominance of this segment include high demand for contraceptive products and the easy availability of generic drugs through retail pharmacies. Favorable regulatory policies in the country have also supported the growth of this segment.

• For instance, in the U.S., more than 15 jurisdictions and states allow pharmacists to prescribe and provide contraceptive drugs and other products.

The online channels segment is projected to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period. The easy availability of products through this channel and increasing customer preference for online purchases are expected to drive segment growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The U.S. market is highly fragmented, with numerous international and domestic generic drug manufacturers present. Key players such as Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Pfizer Inc., and AbbVie Inc. hold considerable market shares. Their strong focus on introducing new products and possessing a wide portfolio contributes to their market dominance.

Other notable players in the market include Agile Therapeutics, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Viatris Inc., among others. These companies are actively expanding their market presence through various strategies.

• For instance, in June 2023, Agile Therapeutics Inc. announced the availability of its Twirla transdermal system for MMCAP Infuse members across the U.S.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Agile Therapeutics (U.S.)


• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)


• AbbVie Inc. (U.S.)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)


• Viatris Inc. (U.S.)


• Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S.)


• Bayer AG (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023 – Lupin received U.S. FDA approval for a generic equivalent of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC's Lo/Ovral-28 tablets, known as Turqoz.


• July 2023 – Opill (norgestrel) tablets received U.S. FDA approval. This marks the first nonprescription oral contraceptive for daily use.


• February 2021 – Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. received U.S. FDA approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Zafemy, the generic version of Ortho Evra, aimed at preventing pregnancy in women in February 2021.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The U.S. contraceptive drugs market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key market segments such as product and distribution channel. In addition, it includes detailed insights on market dynamics, new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. The report also provides the competitive landscape of the key companies.

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