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Reports
The market for emergency contraceptive pills is witnessing rapid growth owing the increasing efforts aimed at raising awareness family planning and the prevention of unintended pregnancies. According to various studies, nearly 121 million unplanned pregnancies take place every year underscoring the necessity for efficient contraceptive devices.
However, this growth faces several limitations. Access restrictions imposed by local authorities for religious or cultural reasons represent a major challenge. For instance, in some regions, ECPs are available only by prescription or through limited distribution channels, making it difficult for women to obtain them promptly.
Nevertheless, organizations and healthcare professionals continue to promote awareness and provide education about the full range of contraceptive methods available to women, aiming to empower them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies in cases where other contraceptive methods have failed, or were used. Unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy, and taking ECPs is an effective and timely measure to avoid this from occurring. Unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy, and taking ECPs is an effective and time-sensitive measure to prevent this outcome.
Unprotected sex may occur due to various reasons, including contraceptive failure (e.g., condom breakage), lack of access to contraception, sexual assault, or the spontaneity of sexual activity. In such urgent situations, individuals or couples may turn to ECPs as a backup method to prevent pregnancy.
ECPs offer privacy and discretion, enabling individuals to maintain control over their reproductive health without necessarily visiting a healthcare provider or disclosing personal information.
The effectiveness of ECPs decreases as more time passes after unprotected sex. Therefore, individuals are advised to take ECPs as soon as possible to maximize their efficacy-making timeliness a critical factor. In cases where conventional forms of contraception are unavailable, ECPs serve as a reliable alternative.
Women increasingly rely on over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraceptive products due to their convenience, accessibility, and lack of prescription requirements-particularly in urgent situations. As abortion has become more restricted ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision, morning-after pills have witnessed a huge spike in demand. For example, Wisp, a firm selling morning-after pills, witnessed a 3,000% surge in demand in June 2022. All such initiatives are favorably propelling market growth.
The expansion of abortion restrictions is directly fueling demand for emergency contraceptive pills. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court action to overturn Roe v. Wade, which triggered abortion prohibitions or draconian restrictions in nearly all states, there has been a reported increase in demand for emergency contraception.
Increasing numbers of women, presented with diminished or eliminated access to abortion services, are turning to emergency contraceptive pills as a necessary preventive measure against unwanted pregnancy in the first place. So prevalent did this practice become that mass-market U.S. retailers briefly prohibited sales of emergency contraceptives such as Plan B following sales spikes in the immediate wake of the ruling.
The progesterone pills segment led the market with the highest revenue share of 45.3% in 2022. This growth is driven by the availability of multiple products from various manufacturers and a high success rate of up to 85% when used correctly. Due to its proven effectiveness and widespread availability, the progesterone pills segment is expected to continue leading the market, offering women a reliable and accessible form of emergency contraception.
The combination pill segment is projected to exhibit the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. These estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills are among the most commonly used forms of emergency contraception in the United States, with an estimated effectiveness of 75%. This level of efficacy remains a major factor driving demand.
Meanwhile, ulipristal acetate is expected to witness notable growth during the forecast period. Marketed in the U.S. under the brand name ella, this antiprogestin is a prescription emergency contraceptive that remains effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse.
However, a 2021 study on pharmacy dispensing in southwestern Pennsylvania found that only 5% of pharmacies stocked ulipristal acetate, highlighting a significant gap in availability. Expanding its distribution and increasing public awareness are essential for realizing its full market potential.
North America dominates the global emergency contraceptive pills market, holding the largest regional market share. Several interconnected factors support this leadership. First, both the United States and Canada possess well-developed healthcare infrastructures, with extensive networks of healthcare providers and pharmacies, ensuring that emergency contraceptive pills are readily accessible to consumers.
In addition, awareness and education campaigns in North America have increased awareness of emergency contraception use, with consequent higher and broader acceptance and use of the product. There is a highly disposable income in the region that allows customers to pay for pharmaceuticals, such as emergency contraceptives, hence aiding leadership in the market.
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Emergency Contraceptive Pills Market
