Market Share
There are currently two types of surgical procedures that dominate the female sterilization market; Tubal ligation (laparoscopic) and transcervical tubal occlusion. Laparoscopic tubal ligation is the most common form of female sterilization used today. This approach is performed with a laparoscope with a tiny incision in or near the navel to transect, ligate or tie off the fallopian tubes.
A transcervical approach is performed by inserting a hysteroscope in the uterine cavity through the vagina. This approach is the most minimally invasive approach (no skin incision) and is rapidly becoming a common procedure with gynecologists for female sterilization. Both procedures can be performed in a hospital but preferably in an out patient setting.
The Future Female Contraceptive Market
The underlying dynamics occurring in the female contraceptive industry over the last several years have created one of the fastest growing medical technology markets worldwide. Leaders in the female contraceptive industry have created significant value for their shareholders and investors.
The female contraceptive industry is a significant market for medical devices as demonstrated by the success of Conceptus and the acquisitions of other smaller companies. The substantial majority of this growth will be driven as new technology advances make access techniques simpler and accessible to all practitioners and women worldwide.
The future growth of the female contraceptive industry will depend partly on the development of minimally invasive surgery technologies and devices that reduce the morbidity associated with female contraceptive surgery. Such products, referred to as minimally invasive products, have the potential to reduce pain, complications, blood loss, and time. This technology also provides a potential cost benefit to the hospital and insurance carriers. One of these device technologies is currently in the market. The remaining are in preliminary stages of development. Other new avenues of growth should result from the incorporation of new materials, designs, and delivery mechanisms and surgical methods.