In this article, we shall discuss the 10 most effective methods of birth control and biggest brands in this space. To skip our detailed analysis of the contraceptives industry and the FemTech revolution in 2023, go directly and see 5 Most Effective Methods of Birth Control.
According to a market report by Precedence Research, the global contraceptives industry was valued at more than $16 billion in 2022 and is expected to surge to $27.72 billion by 2032, at an impressive CAGR of 5.70%. The skyrocketing number of unwanted pregnancies is a massive driver for the growing demand for contraceptive drugs, directly resulting in the global expansion of the birth control drugs market. According to March 2022 estimations by the UN Population Fund, almost half of all global pregnancies are unintended, totaling more than 121 million annually across the world, thereby exacerbating the global demand for effective methods of birth control. To read more on this, check out our article on 20 Countries with the Lowest Teenage Pregnancy Rates in the World. Furthermore, during the forecast period 2023-32, the approval, commercialization and development of innovative technology in the birth control industry is likely to prove to be a gamechanger for the industry. Some of the largest players in the contraceptives sector today are Merck and Co. (NYSE:MRK), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), and Church & Dwight Co. Ltd. (NYSE:CHD).
The Roe v Wade Aftermath: An Analysis
According to a June 2023 report by Bloomberg, a significant driver for the rampant growth of the contraceptives industry in the United States is the overturning of the Roe v. Wade verdict by the United States Supreme Court. The verdict has prompted decisions and more serious conversations around stricter birth control methods, causing demand to skyrocket. According to the report, Nurx Therapeutics, a telemedicine company, claimed that they received a massive demand for emergency contraceptives post the reversal, amounting to a substantial increase of more than 300%.
However, the report goes on to detail that Big Pharma does not seem adequately geared to capitalize on the skyrocketing demand for the most effective methods for birth control and has marginally abandoned any innovation in the sector. Due to this, countless women have reported feeling that they are simply not receiving the best possible healthcare. According to a report by the Gates Foundation, merely 2% of drug companies' annual revenue from contraceptives is diverted to research and development. In simpler words, Big Pharma is lagging behind in the innovation department and has not shown significant interest in introducing new products to the market.
During this time, the number of women expressing dissatisfaction with the existing birth control options is substantially increasing. The Bloomberg report postulates that younger women are less willing to engage with birth control which does not strive to meet their lifestyle and healthcare needs. Due to this, smaller companies are stepping in to capitalize on this untapped potential. This status quo is slowly leading to the rise of FemTech.
The "FemTech" Revolution: An Industry Overview
With smaller companies now investing more in women's healthcare, better outcomes for women patients, consumers, investors, and other stakeholders across the value chain are predicted. The term "FemTech" encompasses a diverse variety of technology-enabled, consumer-centric products and solutions, geared towards enhancing healthcare for women across a number of specific sectors, including but not limited to maternal health, menstrual health, menopause and development of the most effective methods for birth control. In its 2022 report, McKinsey analyzed more than 750 FemTech companies, designated as tech-enabled solutions, addressing women’s health, excluding biopharma and incumbent medical devices. These companies also included some major players in the contraceptives industry like Merck and Co. (NYSE:MRK), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), and Church & Dwight Co. Ltd. (NYSE:CHD). Although FemTech innovation within these companies is still in its early stages, McKinsey outlines how FemTech dynamics are transforming rapidly with respect to public awareness, company formation, and funding.
According to the analysis, the current market size for the FemTech industry is estimated to range from $500 million to more than $1 billion, depending on the scope, with projections forecasting potential for double-digit revenue growth. If one looks strictly at the digital health segment of the industry, FemTech companies are currently well placed to secure more than 4% of all digital health funding. However, when evaluated across the industry, concentration in the contraceptives area, maternal health patient support, and gynecological devices was more significant. In many instances, FemTech companies are filling gaps which haven't been adequately addressed by large-scale biopharma and device companies, such as maternal health and contraception.
According to the report, FemTech companies have the potential to significantly disrupt conventional healthcare in a wide variety of ways. With initial breakthroughs now in the rearview mirror, the FemTech sector is looking to drastically invest in improving care delivery and developing the most effective methods of birth control. Virtual clinics such as Tia and brick-and-mortar clinics like Kindbody are enabling women to access healthcare in a more consumer-centric way. Additionally, the sector is also highly focused on improving diagnoses, with clinical diagnostic companies expanding on the scientific horizon to meet unaddressed medical requirements in areas like contraception, endometriosis, and preterm birth.
Countries with Lowest Abortion Rates in the World in 2018
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Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 10 most effective methods of birth control and biggest brands in this space, we decided to use a variety of medical research journals and websites (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). We evaluated the effectiveness of each birth control method based on their perfect use failure rates (10 points), efficacy over time (7 points), and overall user compliance (3 points). We then proceeded to score each method according to the aforementioned criteria and selected the 10 methods which scored the highest points. Subsequently, we ranked each method based on the total points it scored, from lowest to highest. Where there was a tie, we broke it based on its cumulative score in the perfect use failure rate and safety components respectively. With every entry on this list, we have also mentioned some of the biggest brands for each product.
The birth control patch releases estrogen, which causes the cervical mucus to thicken and prevents ovulation. It is recommended that the user change the patch every week to increase its efficacy. To have effective results, the user must ensure that the birth control patch remains at its place, no antibiotics are taken, and that the user is not obese with respect to the BMI. The most prominent birth control patch brands are Xulane and Twirla. According to Planned Parenthood, these two are the only patches approved by the FDA in the United States. Ortho Evra is also one of the biggest brands in this space. To read more on the significance of the birth control patch, check out our article on the 25 Most Important Inventions of the 21st Century.
9. Progestin-only Pill
Average Score: 8
A progestin-only pill is more than 99% effective. Another name for this pill is minipill. The pill blocks the process of ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining. All these processes help in preventing pregnancy. It is highly advised to take the pill at the same time every day. The pill loses its efficacy if the user vomits within two hours of taking the pill, is taking a dose of antibiotics, or has a BMI that is considered obese. Some of the most prominent brands of the progestin-only pill include Camila, Errin, and Jencycla.
8. Combination Pill
Average Score: 10
One of the most effective methods of birth control is the combination pill. Only about 9 in 100 users of the combination pill become pregnant, since its efficacy rate is less than 99% if used as recommended. The pill releases progestin and estrogen which prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus. The thickening of the cervical mucus disallows sperms to reach the egg. To get an effective result, the user must take the pill at the same time every day. Additionally, the pill does not remain effective if the user vomits within two hours of taking the pill. There are multiple brands that sell combination pills; some of the largest brands include Yasmin, Microgynon 30, and Rigevidon. These brands are highly effective and easily accessible to users.
7. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Shot
Average Score: 11
A shot of medroxyprogesterone acetate is a hormonal method of birth control and is 99% effective, if the shot is taken on time. The user is recommended to take the shot every 12 weeks to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It injects progestin into the user's body, which in turn helps in preventing ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus. By preventing ovulation, it impairs the ovaries from releasing the egg, and the thick cervical mucus does not let the sperms reach the uterus. This shot is provided only through prescription. The most common and trustworthy brand for a medroxyprogesterone acetate shot is the Depo-Provera Shot by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE).
6. Vasectomy
Average Score: 12
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure and by following this method, fewer than 1 in 100 users become pregnant. Vasectomy, or male sterilization, includes a procedure, in which the surgeon seals the tubes that carry sperm into the semen. This method permanently prevents pregnancy. However, for the first three months, the user is recommended to use back-up methods, like condoms, to negate any possibility of unintended pregnancy. A vasectomy is number 6 on our list of the 10 most effective methods for birth control.
