U.S. Female External Catheter Market Size & Share 2026-2035

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Size

The U.S. female external catheter market was estimated at USD 306.8 million in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 318.7 million in 2026 to USD 526.8 million in 2035, at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

Increasing use of external catheters to reduce CAUTIs, improved design, comfort, and skin-friendly materials, and strategic partnerships with hospitals and care providers are expected to fuel the industry's growth. Becton, Dickinson and Company, Hollister, Stryker, and Medline are among the leading players operating in the market. These players mainly focus on product availability across the country, use of novel materials, strong research and development, and partnership with local healthcare facilities, among other factors.

The market has increased from USD 274.9 million in 2022 and reached USD 295.9 million in 2024, with a historic growth rate of 3.7%. 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.

In addition, the market for female external catheters has experienced substantial expansion over recent years, primarily attributed to technological advancements in product design that have enhanced ease of use, comfort, and clinical results. Product innovations such as the use of soft and breathable silicone materials, updated anatomical designs, and improved adhesive technologies may enhance how well devices fit while decreasing the possibility of skin irritation and leakage. Additionally, disposables and user-friendly application designs will reduce caregiver burden along with reducing risk of infection, further driving adoption of female external catheters across different healthcare facilities, thereby increasing the overall available market.

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 U.S. female external catheter industry 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.

• 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.
• In addition, 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 country.
• Additionally, with the rise of telemedicine and virtual consultations, there is a growing trend toward remote diagnosis and prescriptions for urinary incontinence.
• Further, 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.

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Analysis

Based on product type, the U.S. female external catheter market is segmented into disposable and reusable. The disposable segment accounted for a dominant share of 92.4% in 2025. The segment is expected to reach USD 492 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

• 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.
• In addition, 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.
• The reusable segment was valued at USD 23.2 million in 2025. Female reusable external catheters are designed for repeated use when kept clean and maintained properly. They appeal to cost-conscious users, especially in long-term home care scenarios where frequent replacements may be financially burdensome.
• Further, many of these products are made from high-quality, durable materials designed to endure disinfection before they can be reused while still keeping users comfortable and functioning properly. Reusable external female catheters can also appeal to environmentally friendly users by reducing the amount of medical waste produced through their use.

Based on incontinence type, the U.S. female external catheter market is segmented into urge incontinence/overactive bladder (OAB), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and other incontinence types. The urge incontinence/overactive bladder (OAB) segment generated the highest revenue of USD 128.5 million in 2025.

• The use of female external catheters for managing urge incontinence or overactive bladder is becoming more common. This is a condition where an individual has sudden and frequent urges to void and may leak urine involuntarily.
• Additionally, external catheters provide patients with a non-invasive way to collect urine while allowing them the freedom to move. The external catheter keeps skin dry, which can reduce skin irritation and limit complications such as rashes and skin breakdown.
• Further, the adoption of external catheters is increasing among older adults and patients with diminished mobility who require a consistent means for incontinence protection and dignity in managing continence.
• The stress urinary incontinence (SUI) segment was valued at USD 96.1 million in 2025. Patients with stress urinary incontinence experience urinary leakage during movement (e.g., cough, lift, etc.) or during other activities that place pressure on the bladder.
• In addition, female external catheters offer active management of urine in comparison to passive absorption like the absorbent products. Female external catheters may offer comfort, lower odor, and skin protection benefits to women with moderate SUI.
• Moreover, their use in a discreet manner supports a woman’s ability to continue with her daily life and to remain socially engaged, making them ideal for both clinical care and in-home continence care.

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 122.6 million in 2025.

• 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.
• Further, 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.
• The latex segment was valued at USD 88.5 million in 2025. Latex catheters are designed for female patients to provide a good elastic fit and thus minimize leakage in various types of patients. The latex used in external catheters is generally inexpensive and effective for short-term use.
• Furthermore, the growing awareness of the safety of materials has led to the use of latex external catheters being used with caution and mostly in controlled clinical settings rather than for long-term usage.

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 generated the highest revenue of USD 105.7 million in 2025.

• 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.
• The urinary retention segment was valued at USD 73.7 million in 2025. Female external catheters are used in urinary retention management for patients who are unable to empty their bladder fully but do not require invasive catheterization.
• They allow for passive drainage of urine but reduce the risk of urinary infections associated with indwelling catheters. They are beneficial to patients who are non-ambulatory or bedridden, as they aid in maintaining the integrity and comfort of the skin.
• The post-surgical recovery segment was valued at USD 61.4 million in 2025. To manage temporary urinary dysfunction after surgery due to anesthesia, pain, or limited movement, female external catheters can be used to help reduce the use of indwelling catheters.
• Further, this allows for quicker recovery times and decreased risk of infection. These catheters can also provide increased patient comfort and dignity while patients ambulate early in their recovery period. The ease of applying these devices allows nursing staff to easily manage urinary output monitoring in recovery units and step-down units.

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 accounted for the leading market share of 45.2% in 2025.

• 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.
• The ambulatory surgical centers segment was valued at USD 77.2 million in 2025. Outpatient surgical centers primarily use female external catheters for short-term urinary management after and prior to procedures on the same day.
• These external catheters provide facilities with devices that are simple to use, sanitary, and easy to remove. This supports early discharge from outpatient surgical facilities and decreases the use of invasive devices for urinary control.
• Furthermore, external catheters also fit within a quick and efficient workflow in an outpatient surgical environment where patient comfort and rapid turnover are important.

South Atlantic Female External Catheter Market

The South Atlantic female external catheter market accounted for a majority share of 21% in 2025 and is anticipated to show notable growth over the forecast period.

• In 2025 the market size was valued at USD 64.5 million, up from USD 62.5 million in 2024. States such as Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina have 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.
• Further, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations are promoting non-invasive solutions for managing urinary conditions, further boosting market growth.

Pacific Central Female External Catheter Market

Pacific Central accounted for a significant share of the U.S. female external catheter market and was valued at USD 62.6 million in 2025.

• 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 Female External Catheter Market

The Northeast female external catheter market accounted for a substantial share of the market and was valued at USD 52 million in 2025.

• 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 U.S. female external catheter industry is consolidated in nature. This is due to the reason that there are relatively few large, established medical device firms that have a dominant share in the market because of early entry into the industry, good brand recognition, and a wide distribution network. Leading companies primarily compete by offering better product performance, increased comfort, and improved clinical performance with a focus on reducing the risk of infection and enhancing patient dignity. Innovation is a key parameter for market leaders, who continuously improve their product designs through superior materials, improved adhesion systems, and anatomical optimization.

Companies must establish themselves as players in multiple care settings to be better positioned against competition, including hospitals, long-term care/assisted living facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, and home health care. Better relationships with clinicians, nurses, and purchasing groups may help provide a competitive edge. At the same time, smaller and emerging companies are targeting niche markets, such as providing lower-cost alternatives and providing 'green' products.

Further, marketing approaches have emphasized ease of use, lower caregiver burden, and improving the lives of patients and their families. Overall, competitive pressures are continuing to increase due to faster rates of innovation as well as greater consumer awareness about the availability of non-invasive methods for managing urinary continence.

U.S. Female External Catheter Market Companies

A few of the prominent players operating in the U.S. female external catheter industry include:

• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• BOEHRINGER
• Consure MEDICAL
• Hollister
• Medline
• Stryker
• Tilla care
• Ur24Technology
• Wellspect HealthCare

• Becton, Dickinson and Company

Focuses on continuous product innovation, clinical evidence generation, and deep hospital penetration by leveraging strong clinician relationships, premium branding, and integrated urinary management ecosystems.

• Hollister

Emphasizes patient-centered design, comfort-focused materials, and education-driven adoption across home healthcare and specialty clinics, while strengthening loyalty through caregiver support programs and steady portfolio expansion.

U.S. Female External Catheter Industry News

• In January 2026, Wellspect HealthCare announced the U.S. launch of the innovative Surity Female External Catheter, a new non-invasive solution designed to support women living with severe urinary incontinence. This new product launch may enable the company to expand its industry presence and improve the sales prospects.
• 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.

The U.S. female external catheter market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in (USD Million) from 2022 - 2035 for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Product Type

• Disposable
• Reusable

Market, By Incontinence Type

• Urge Incontinence/Overactive Bladder (OAB)
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
• Other incontinence types

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 Centra
• Pacific Central
• Mountain States