U.S. Female External Catheter Market – By Product Type, By Catheter Type, By Material, By Application, By End Use - Forecast, 2025 to 2034

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Size

The U.S. female external catheter market size was valued at USD 225.3 million in 2024 and is expected to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2034. The high market growth can be attributed to the continuous advancements in female external catheter design, growing geriatric population, and growing awareness and education on urological health, among other contributing factors.
 

Moreover, urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition among women, particularly as they age or after childbirth. The rising prevalence of conditions such as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence is a major growth driver for the female external catheter market in the country. For instance, data from the Urology Care Foundation indicates that 30-40% of women experience urinary incontinence, which drives the demand for non-invasive management solutions such as external catheters.
 

Furthermore, the rise in home healthcare and home-based treatment options is driving the demand for female external catheters in the U.S. With a growing number of patients preferring to manage their healthcare needs at home, there is an increasing reliance on products that are easy to use and suitable for at-home care. Female external catheters are well-suited for this trend, offering convenience and privacy, which contributes to their growing use in home care settings.
 

Female external catheter is a medical device designed to manage urinary incontinence in women. It is worn externally, typically positioned around the urethra, to collect urine and redirect it to a drainage bag. Made from materials such as silicone or latex, these catheters provide a non-invasive, hygienic solution for women with bladder control issues, offering comfort and discretion.
 

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Trends

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the integration of wearable technology, the rise in over-the-counter (OTC) availability, and an increased focus on eco-friendly materials, among other factors.
 

• Furthermore, there is a growing trend toward personalized and customizable external catheters tailored to the individual needs of users. Companies are offering a variety of sizes, materials, and features to accommodate different body types and preferences. Customization improves fit, enhances comfort, and reduces skin irritation. This trend is contributing to greater consumer satisfaction and increasing the market share of female external catheters in the U.S.
   
• Additionally, with the rise of telemedicine and virtual consultations, there is a growing trend toward remote diagnosis and prescriptions for urinary incontinence. As more healthcare providers offer online consultations, patients can receive personalized recommendations for external catheters through virtual care platforms. This trend is likely to increase the convenience and accessibility of external catheter products, expanding the market reach to a broader demographic, especially those in rural areas or with mobility challenges. These factors are expected to drive the market.
   

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is classified into disposable and reusable. The disposable segment generated the highest revenue of USD 208.1 million in 2024.
 

• Disposable female external catheters provide convenience by eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance associated with reusable products. The single-use design appeals to users seeking straightforward solutions for urinary incontinence management, driving demand in this segment.
   
• The market growth for disposable external catheters is supported by increasing preference for non-invasive and comfortable urinary incontinence products. These catheters offer easy application and disposal, avoiding the discomfort of invasive alternatives and maintenance requirements of reusable devices. The rising demand for discreet solutions has established disposable catheters as a primary choice in urinary incontinence management.
   

Based on catheter type, the U.S. female external catheter market is classified into non-vacuum-assisted catheter and vacuum-assisted catheter. The non-vacuum-assisted catheter segment accounted for USD 197.1 million in market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2025 to 2034 period.
 

• Non-vacuum-assisted catheters offer greater comfort compared to their vacuum-assisted counterparts. These catheters rely on a simple adhesive or adhesive-free mechanism, making them easier to apply and more comfortable for prolonged use. Users prefer these products as they do not require the additional step of suction or vacuum assistance, offering a simple, hassle-free experience, which drives their growing adoption in the U.S. market.
   
• Moreover, unlike vacuum-assisted catheters, non-vacuum models typically do not require suction, which can sometimes cause skin irritation or discomfort if applied incorrectly or left in place for too long. The gentler mechanism of non-vacuum-assisted catheters makes them less likely to irritate sensitive skin, reducing the risk of skin damage and abrasions, which is a key driver for their use, particularly among women with sensitive skin or those prone to irritation. This is expected to drive growth in this segment of the market.
   

Based on material, the U.S. female external catheter market is classified into silicone, latex, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and other materials. The silicone segment generated the highest revenue of USD 90.4 million in 2024.
 

• Silicone is a highly flexible material, which contributes to better comfort when used in female external catheters. Its soft, smooth texture reduces friction and irritation, providing a gentle fit that is especially beneficial for women with sensitive skin. Silicone's malleability allows the catheter to conform to the body’s natural shape, enhancing overall comfort for long-term wear.
   
• Additionally, it is known for its biocompatibility, meaning it is well-tolerated by the body and less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. This makes it a preferred material for external catheters, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are prone to skin allergies. Its non-reactive nature ensures that women can use silicone-based catheters with a lower risk of skin irritation or discomfort compared to other materials like latex.
   

Based on application, the U.S. female external catheter market is classified into urinary incontinence, urinary retention, post-surgical recovery, neurological disorders, and other applications. The urinary incontinence segment dominated the market in 2024 with a market share of 34.6%.
 

• As the U.S. population continues to age, the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), particularly among women, is increasing. Older women are more prone to conditions like weakened pelvic muscles, bladder dysfunction, and other age-related health issues that contribute to UI. This demographic shift significantly drives the demand for external catheters, which offer a convenient and non-invasive solution for managing urinary incontinence.
   
• In addition, awareness about urinary incontinence and its treatment options, including external catheters, is growing. Educational campaigns, open discussions on women’s health, and reduced stigma around UI have empowered more women to seek solutions. As knowledge about non-invasive management options increases, the adoption of female external catheters continues to rise, further boosting market growth.
   

Based on end use, the U.S. female external catheter market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, specialty clinics, and other end users. The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 168.3 million by the end of the forecast period.
 

• Hospitals are a primary setting for the use of female external catheters, particularly for patients who are bedridden or undergoing surgical procedures. With an increase in hospitalization rates due to conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), post-surgical recovery, and other chronic illnesses, the demand for female external catheters in hospitals is growing. These devices provide a hygienic and non-invasive solution for managing urinary output in hospitalized patients.
   
• Moreover, it prioritizes infection control, and external catheters are gaining popularity as they minimize the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) compared to traditional indwelling catheters. Their non-invasive nature ensures better hygiene and reduces complications, aligning with hospitals’ goals of maintaining high standards of patient care and preventing secondary infections.
   

South Atlantic female external catheter market accounted for USD 47.6 million market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2025 to 2034 period.
 

• States such as Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, has a large aging population, particularly in states like Florida, known for its significant retirement community. With age being a major risk factor for urinary incontinence, the demand for female external catheters is on the rise as more women seek effective solutions for managing this condition.
   
• Additionally, healthcare providers in the zone are increasingly emphasizing women’s health initiatives. Efforts to address conditions like urinary incontinence through education, awareness campaigns, and access to medical devices have driven the adoption of female external catheters. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations are promoting non-invasive solutions for managing urinary conditions, further boosting market growth.
   

Pacific Central female external catheter market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
 

• The zone is known for its state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and advanced medical services. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers in this region are early adopters of innovative medical devices, including female external catheters. This advanced infrastructure facilitates widespread availability and use of these products.
   
• As a hub for medical innovation, particularly in California, the Pacific Central region leads in adopting technologically advanced external catheters. Improved designs, such as those with enhanced comfort, adhesive systems, and antimicrobial properties, are gaining traction, meeting the growing demand for effective urinary management solutions.
   

Northeast holds a dominant position in the U.S. female external catheter market.
 

• The Northeast benefits from well-structured insurance policies and reimbursement programs, particularly through Medicare and Medicaid, which cover female external catheters for patients with specific medical conditions. This financial support makes these devices more accessible, encouraging their adoption in hospitals, outpatient facilities, and home care settings.
   
• Moreover, with a shift towards home healthcare in the zone, particularly for the elderly population, the demand for user-friendly and hygienic urinary management solutions is rising. Female external catheters cater to this need by providing a convenient and effective alternative for managing urinary incontinence in home settings.
   

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Share

The market is marked by the presence of several established players, including large medical device companies and specialized manufacturers. Key players focus on product innovation, offering advanced designs with improved comfort and adhesive technology to enhance patient satisfaction. Companies are also leveraging strategic collaborations, acquisitions, and partnerships with healthcare providers to expand their market presence. Additionally, increasing investments in R&D and marketing efforts to raise awareness are intensifying competition, driving continuous product improvement and market expansion.
 

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the U.S. female external catheter industry include:

• BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)
• BOEHRINGER
• Cardinal Health
• Coloplast
• consure MEDICAL
• convatec
• CooperSurgical
• Hollister
• Stryker
• tilla care
   

U.S. Female External Catheter Industry News:

• In January 2022, Stryker announced updates to its PrimaFit external urine management system, enhancing its usability for a broader range of body types and improving patient outcomes. The redesign incorporated longer flexible tubing, 14% additional ultra-soft fabric, and a tapered end to enhance comfort and performance. These advancements reinforced Stryker's commitment to innovation in urinary incontinence management, strengthening its market position and addressing the growing demand for non-invasive solutions to reduce CAUTI risks.
   

The U.S. female external catheter market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Disposable
• Reusable

Market, By Catheter Type

• Non-vacuum-assisted catheter
• Vacuum-assisted catheter

Market, By Material

• Silicone
• Latex
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• Other materials

Market, By Application

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary retention
• Post-surgical recovery
• Neurological disorders
• Other applications

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory surgical centers
• Specialty clinics
• Other end users

The above information is provided for the following zones:

• East North Central
• West South Central
• South Atlantic
• Northeast
• East South Central
• West North Central
• Pacific Central
• Mountain States