The Female Infertility Market is projected to exhibit substantial growth over the forecast period, with expectations of reaching a market size of US$ 29.3 billion by 2030, marking a significant increase from its 2023 valuation of US$ 19.4 billion. This growth trajectory reflects a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.

This market primarily focuses on offering an array of products and services designed to address infertility issues in women, which encompasses the challenge of conceiving after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse. The treatments encompass a wide range of interventions, including fertility medications, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and various surgical procedures. One of the primary catalysts driving this market's expansion is the escalating incidence of infertility, often attributed to delayed pregnancies and the advancing age of women.

Female infertility, denoting a woman's inability to become pregnant or sustain a pregnancy to full term, serves as the central concern within this market. It further segments its offerings based on product categories, procedural approaches, end-user preferences, and geographical regions. Among the product segments, the market divides itself into equipment, media & consumables, and services. Notably, the media and consumables segment is expected to assert its dominance by capturing the largest market share during the forecast period. This supremacy can be attributed to the recurrent need for purchasing mediums and reagents essential for infertility treatment procedures. A case in point is Irvine Scientific's introduction of IS Sperm Medium in February 2022, a ready-to-use medium tailored for sperm processing during IVF treatments, underscoring the importance of consumables in this evolving landscape.

Epidemiology Insights:

• Infertility affects around 186 million women worldwide. It is estimated that one in four couples in developing countries had infertility.
• Key trends include delayed pregnancies due to career choices leading to age-related infertility and lifestyle diseases like PCOS, endometriosis, STDs causing infertility.
• In the US, around 6.1 million women have infertility. In the UK, around 1 in 7 couples have fertility issues. In France, 3.3 million people are unable to have children without assistance.
• With increasing infertility rates globally, there are significant opportunities for treatment options and assisted reproductive technologies.
• Female infertility can be considered a rare disease as it affects less than 5 in 10,000 people in the EU.

Market Landscape:

• There is a large unmet need for improved assisted reproductive technologies with higher success rates. IVF success rates remain around 30% per cycle.
• Current options include medications like clomiphene, gonadotropins, bromocriptine, surgery to repair reproductive organs, IUI, IVF, ICSI, fertility monitoring, and genetic testing.
• Upcoming technologies include microfluidics for sperm sorting, artificial intelligence to improve embryo selection in IVF, and ovarian rejuvenation therapies.
• Breakthroughs include mitochondrial replacement therapy to prevent mitochondrial DNA diseases and uterine microbiome treatments to improve implantation rates.
• The market has a mix of big pharma, specialty pharma, diagnostic companies, and medical device companies. Large players include CooperSurgical, Cook Medical, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Female Infertility Market Drivers:

Rising cases of infertility globally

The rising cases of infertility among women and couples globally is a major driver for the female infertility market. According to WHO, around 15% of couples worldwide experience infertility issues. The global average infertility rate has increased from 8% in 1990 to 12% in 2010. There are various factors causing this steady rise in infertility rates - delayed pregnancies, lifestyle diseases, reproductive tract infections, exposure to toxins, and other medical conditions. With more women and couples unable to conceive naturally, the demand for infertility testing and treatment services has risen tremendously. This acts as a key driver for market growth.

Advancing age of mothers

Another major driver is the advancing age of mothers at first childbirth. According to CDC data, US mothers’ average age at first birth increased from 21.4 years in 1970 to 26.3 years in 2018. Many women are postponing pregnancy to focus on careers and education. But fertility declines with age, and advanced maternal age leads to higher infertility risks. Around 12% of women aged 15-44 years in the US have impaired fecundity. Older women often require advanced fertility treatments like IVF and donor eggs. This significantly expands the market potential.

Favorable government initiatives

Various government initiatives to improve access to fertility treatments are also driving market growth. For instance, in the US, 18 states have fertility insurance mandates requiring coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients. The INVOcell device for infertility treatment is covered under Medicare. In the UK, National Health Service offers 3 cycles of IVF treatment for eligible couples. Such initiatives make fertility treatments more affordable for patients, thereby driving the market.

Technological advancements

Continuous technological advancements and new product launches are major market growth drivers. Key innovations include artificial intelligence for embryo selection in IVF, robotic-assisted surgery in gynecology, smartphone-connected ovulation monitors, mitochondrial replacement therapy, developments in embryo biopsy and freezing, and more patient-friendly stimulation protocols. These expand treatment options for infertile couples and encourage higher adoption.

Female Infertility Market Opportunities:

Growth potential in emerging economies

Emerging economies represent significant growth opportunities for female infertility treatment. Rising disposable incomes, government healthcare spending, and fertility tourism prospects in countries like India, China, Malaysia, and Latin America are attracting investments from leading players. Local infertility treatment centers are also mushrooming in these countries. According to IMS Health, the infertility treatment market is growing at 25% annually in India. Thus, emerging economies offer lucrative expansion possibilities.

Male infertility treatment

While female infertility gets more attention, 40-50% of infertility cases are due to men. Addressing male infertility remains an untapped prospect. Very few medications and procedures specifically treat male fertility issues. R&D in diagnostics to assess sperm function and genetic testing for male infertility remains limited. But new technologies like sperm sorting microfluidic chips provide hope. Companies can focus on male infertility to open new market segments.

Reducing IVF failure rates

IVF failure rates and low live birth success per IVF cycle is a big unmet need. As per SART data, US national average IVF success rate for women under 35 years is just 47.5% per transfer. There is an opportunity to improve IVF outcomes by optimizing stimulation protocols, advanced embryo screening techniques, artificial intelligence for embryo selection, incubator designs, and adjuvant treatments. This can make IVF more successful.

Fertility preservation services

Fertility preservation services for cancer patients is an emerging opportunity. Gains are being led by egg freezing services for women undergoing cancer treatment. Fertility preservation allows cancer survivors the chance for parenthood later. Increased cancer rates and patient awareness will spur growth.

Female Infertility Market Trends:

Shift toward ART over fertility drugs

The infertility treatment landscape is witnessing a major shift from fertility drugs to advanced Assisted Reproductive Technologies like IVF and IUI. IVF cycle numbers and live births have increased significantly over the past 5 years in the US. Elective egg freezing for social reasons is also rising. Growth of fertility services is outpacing the fertility drugs market. Key trends driving this shift include higher success rates of fresh embryo transfers, more health plans covering IVF costs, and innovations in reproductive technology.

Use of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence and automation are trending in infertility treatment. AI is applied in ovarian reserve prediction models, individualized ovarian stimulation regimes for IVF, advanced embryo and sperm imaging/selection techniques, and apps that predict fertile windows. Automation is being used for smarter incubators, robotic IVF platforms, and lab automation systems. AI and automation can significantly enhance treatment outcomes, productivity and standardization. Their integration is rising.

Increased industry consolidation

The female infertility treatment market is undergoing rapid consolidation between industry players and fertility clinic chains. There have been several recent mergers, acquisitions and private equity investments involving key IVF service providers, specialty pharma companies, and medical device vendors. For instance, Unified Womens Healthcare and IntegraMed Fertility merged in 2020 to create largest US fertility clinic network. Such consolidation allows companies to gain scale, strengthen geographic reach and service capabilities.

Fertility tourism boom

Fertility tourism is increasing as patients travel abroad for cheaper IVF cycles offered in medical tourism hubs. Key destinations include Spain, Czech Republic, Greece, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico and India. Growth is driven by easing IVF regulations in these countries, availability of third-party reproduction services, increased success rates and lower costs. Leading fertility clinics are setting up branches in medical tourism destinations to benefit from this trend.

Female Infertility Market Restraints:

High costs and low insurance coverage

The exorbitant costs of fertility treatments, medicines and ART procedures like IVF coupled with low insurance coverage are major market challenges. Despite mandates in some US states, only a third of large employers cover infertility services. Average cost per IVF cycle is USD 12,000, medicines cost thousands. Low public funding for infertility and exclusion from essential health benefits further exacerbate costs. High out-of-pocket expenses deter people from seeking timely treatment.

Risks related to ART procedures

Health complications and risks associated with ART procedures like IUI and IVF also restrain market prospects. Risks include multiple births when multiple embryos are transferred, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, bleeding, infections, ectopic pregnancy, congestive heart failure, breast/ovarian/uterine cancer concerns, and congenital disabilities. These limit the number of embryo transfers and make patients apprehensive. Need for better ways to avoid complications and minimize risks.

Regulatory barriers

Stringent regulations surrounding IVF technologies limit growth opportunities. There are legal restrictions on number of embryos transferred, donation procedures, preimplantation testing, cryopreservation duration, and use of experimental procedures. Restrictive policies exist on surrogacy arrangements. Regulatory uncertainties negatively impact investment and research in reproductive technology. Streamlining regulations will encourage development of novel therapies.

Recent Developments in the Female Infertility Market:

In January 2022, Bayer received approval for Ovaprene, a contraceptive aimed at preventing pregnancy. This development represents a significant milestone in reproductive healthcare, offering an innovative solution to individuals seeking effective contraception.

In June 2021, Vitrolife acquired Igenomix, expanding its genetic testing services. This strategic move reinforces Vitrolife's commitment to providing comprehensive genetic testing solutions in the field of reproductive medicine.

In July 2022, CooperSurgical introduced SpermMobil, a product designed to simplify sperm preparation procedures during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This innovation streamlines laboratory processes, contributing to more efficient IVF treatments.

In March 2022, Merck KGaA launched Pergoveris, a recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone tailored for infertility treatment in women. This medication stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, offering new possibilities for fertility treatments.

In January 2022, Progyny unveiled FertilityTx, a telehealth platform designed to improve access to fertility care. This innovative platform enhances the convenience and availability of fertility treatment services.

In November 2021, Carlyle Group acquired a majority stake in CCRM Fertility from TA Associates, solidifying its presence in the fertility clinic network and contributing to the consolidation of the fertility services market. These strategic moves signify the ever-evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare, with a focus on expanding access and enhancing treatment options for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges.

Female Infertility Market Regional Analysis:

The Female Infertility Market exhibits a geographical segmentation across five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, each contributing uniquely to the global landscape of fertility treatment.

In 2023, North America emerges as the dominant force in the Female Infertility Market, capturing more than 38% of the market share. The region's supremacy is fueled by several key factors, including heightened awareness surrounding infertility treatments, the continuous introduction of innovative products, and the increasing prevalence of age-related infertility. With a well-established healthcare infrastructure and a proactive approach to addressing fertility issues, North America leads the charge in providing advanced solutions to those seeking to overcome infertility challenges.

Following closely is the European market, projected to constitute over 28% of the Female Infertility Market share in 2023. Europe's robust market presence can be attributed to substantial healthcare expenditure, supportive government initiatives, and widespread access to advanced assisted reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The region's commitment to providing comprehensive fertility care underscores its position as a pivotal player in the global infertility treatment landscape.

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region emerges as the most rapidly expanding market for Female Infertility, boasting a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 7% during the forecast period. Several dynamics drive this impressive growth, including a growing female workforce, shifting lifestyles contributing to infertility issues, and the burgeoning trend of medical tourism for infertility treatment. With its large population and increasing healthcare access, Asia Pacific is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of fertility care.

In addition to these key regions, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa contribute 5.2% and 5.0% respectively to the global Female Infertility Market. While these regions may have a comparatively smaller market share, they are not to be overlooked, as efforts to expand access to fertility treatments continue to grow, making infertility care more accessible to individuals and couples worldwide.

In conclusion, the Female Infertility Market's geographical segmentation underscores the global nature of fertility challenges and the ongoing efforts to provide accessible and effective solutions across diverse regions, thereby offering renewed hope to those striving to build their families.

Female Infertility Market Segmentation:

• By Product & Services
  • Equipment
  • Media & Consumables
  • Services
• By Procedure
  • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
  • Diagnostic Tests
• By End User
  • Fertility Clinics
  • Hospitals and Research Laboratories
  • Cryobanks
• By Region
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East

Top companies in the Female Infertility Market:

• CooperSurgical
• Cook Medical
• Vitrolife
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Esco Micro
• Genea Biomedx
• FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific
• IVFtech
• Kitazato
• Rocket Medical