|
Forecast Period
|
2024-2028
|
|
Market Size (2022)
|
USD 993.05 Million
|
|
CAGR (2023-2028)
|
6.75%
|
|
Fastest Growing Segment
|
ICSI IVF
|
|
Largest Market
|
Saudi Arabia
|
Market Overview
The GCC IVF Market was valued at USD 993.05
Million in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast
period with a CAGR of 6.75% through 2028. The In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is experiencing significant
growth and transformation, reflecting evolving societal trends and advances in
reproductive medicine. GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, have witnessed a notable rise in
infertility rates, attributed to factors such as delayed childbearing,
lifestyle changes, and increased awareness of fertility treatments. The GCC IVF
market is characterized by an increasing demand for assisted reproductive
technologies (ART), with a particular focus on IVF procedures. This surge can
be attributed to changing family dynamics, where couples are often opting for
smaller families and postponing parenthood.
Furthermore, the region's healthcare
infrastructure has seen substantial improvements, with a growing number of
specialized fertility clinics and centers offering cutting-edge IVF treatments
and services. Governments in the GCC have also recognized the importance of
reproductive health, leading to favorable policies and regulations that support
and regulate the IVF industry. Rapid advancements in IVF technology, including
preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and in vitro maturation (IVM), have
bolstered the success rates of fertility treatments in the GCC. The market also
benefits from increasing medical tourism, with individuals from neighboring
regions seeking high-quality and accessible IVF services in the GCC. In
conclusion, the GCC IVF market is poised for continued expansion, driven by
changing demographics, improved healthcare infrastructure, favorable regulatory
environments, and ongoing advancements in reproductive medicine. This sector is
expected to play a pivotal role in addressing infertility-related challenges in
the region.
Key Market Drivers
Rising Prevalence of Infertility is
Thriving the GCC In-Vitro Fertilization Market
Infertility is highly prevalent today.
According to Research gate, in the GCC countries, clinical fertility and the
demographic fertility report as 17.2% and 38.5%, respectively. Infertility can
be caused by many factors, including lifestyle changes, stress, hormonal
imbalances, medical conditions, and aging. In GCC countries, changes in social
conditions such as late marriage, work-oriented lifestyles, and urbanization
are leading to an increase in infertility. The main symptom of infertility is
the inability to conceive and about one-third of the infertility rises from
female factors. In the remaining cases, the cause is either unknown or a
combination of male and female infertility issues.
Factors such as rising obesity rates,
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and environmental pollution have also
led to an increase in fertility problems in GCC countries. As per the National
Library of Medicine, the prevalence of obesity among female children and
adolescents in Gulf Countries ranged from3% to 18% in 2020.
There are a number of factors which
contribute to the growth of the GCC in-vitro fertilization market. Firstly, the
increasing prevalence of infertility has led to a higher demand for IVF
treatments. Couples who are unable to conceive naturally are turning to IVF as
a viable option to fulfill their desire to have a child. Additionally, advances
in reproductive technology and increasing success rates of IVF have increased
the confidence of couples seeking fertility treatments, further increasing the
demand for IVF services in the GCC countries.
Secondly, the growing awareness and
acceptance of infertility as a medical condition in the GCC have led to more
couples seeking professional help. Earlier, infertility was often stigmatized
or kept hidden due to cultural or societal reasons. However, with changing
mindsets and increasing awareness about infertility and its treatments, more
couples are coming forward to seek fertility treatments, including IVF, leading
to increased adoption among people with infertility conditions.
According to research carried out by ART
Fertility Clinics, infertility rates in GCC states in 2020 were as high as 35
to 40 percent. Furthermore, the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome among
women in the GCC countries is contributing to the growth of the market. As per
the National Library of Medicine, at least 20%-25% of women in the Gulf region
suffer from PCOS.
Rising Awareness and Literacy Rate in
the GCC Region
One of the main drivers of the increased
demand for IVF is the growing awareness of infertility and available treatment
options. Changes in social norms and increased access to information via the
internet and social media have led couples to more openly discuss fertility
issues and seek help from fertility clinics. Moreover, the GCC has a strong
culture of health promotion and many GCC organizations and NGOs are actively
working to raise awareness in the field of infertility and pregnancy.
Furthermore, celebrities and public figures openly sharing their IVF success
stories have played a significant role in raising awareness and reducing the
stigma associated with infertility.
For ensuring the safety and ethical
practice of IVF, legal frameworks have also been developed by governments.
These regulations assure that fertility centers adhere to comprehensive quality
standards, protect patients' privacy and comply with proper procedures for
processing and storage of embryos. It also contributed to the growing need for
IVF, by building trust between couples that sought services in this area. For
instance, Dubai Fertility Centre was established in collaboration between Dubai
Health Authority and London Fertility Centre. The Centre provides a
comprehensive and Innovative range of infertility treatments solutions for
couples who live in the United Arab Emirates, and visiting couples in the other
countries, especially GCC. The center's objectives is to provide specialized
fertility services within the Gulf region. Furthermore, the new IVF law was
announced by the President of the United Arab Emirates, which allowed the
fertility centers to freeze unfertilized eggs, sperms, and human embryos,
thereby driving the growth of the GCC in-vitro fertilization market.
As per the National Library of Medicine,
there is a direct relationship between the literacy and infertility rate, which
show that the prevalence of infertility decreases significantly with the rising
literacy rates in the GCC region. Moreover, it was found that high literacy
rates were associated with a higher rate of infant survival. As per the United
Nations Population Fund, Oman has the highest literacy rate of 93.3% in the GCC
followed by Kuwait, that is 86.5%.
Women in resource-poor, predominantly
immigrant communities seeking fertility treatment have greater knowledge gaps
in fertility and lower levels of health literacy than women in well-resourced
clinical settings. Hence, rising literacy levels especially among the
women in GCC are expected to spur the growth of the GCC in-vitro fertilization
market during the forecast period.
Rising Reproductive Tourism
The number of medical tourists
travelling to the United Arab Emirates for fertility treatment, especially IVF,
is increasing. Medical tourists from all over the Gulf Cooperation Council,
East and North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Asia prefer to travel to
the United Arab Emirates for world class healthcare, ease of access and
competitive affordability offered by the country, which is spurring the growth
of the GCC in-vitro fertilization market.
To promote and develop the domestic
medical tourism market, infertility centers in the GCC provides Skype
consultations for patients, coordinates the stimulation process in their home
countries, and also arranges medical visas, hotel accommodation and transportation,
which augments the growth of the market. As per the Dubai Health
Authority, medical tourist spending in Dubai was reported to be 198.75 million
USD in 2021. In 2021, Dubai received 630,000 tourists from abroad for
healthcare. In 2021, the top three regions for fertility treatment in Dubai
were Asia (34%), Africa (24%), and Europe (19%).
As per the Medical Tourism Association
(MTA), Abu Dhabi has been placed 8th out of 46 destinations in 2020 to 2021
health tourism rankings and 9th for quality of facilities and services. Several
factors are responsible for increasing reproductive medical tourism in GCC.
These include, high quality medical treatment, strict safety measures and
regulatory, advanced medical technologies, easy accommodation, and the well
certified and professional healthcare team, which attracts a large number of
tourist around the globe for infertility treatment.
The Government of the United Arab
Emirates launched Medical tourism portals (Abu Dhabi Medical Tourism portal,
Dubai Health Experience) to allow international tourist to book appointment for
various procedures, as well as access to a wide range of tourism services.
Services range from direct contact with healthcare providers, visa issuance,
reservation of accommodation and transport for travel to other recreational
activities.
In addition, GCC countries are excellent
destination for relaxing and recuperating from medical procedures due to the
heat and humidity of their climate, which is responsible for attracting
reproductive tourism, thereby driving the growth of the GCC in-vitro
fertilization market.
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Key Market Challenges
Lack of Skilled Professionals
The success of IVF treatment heavily
relies on the expertise of skilled professionals and the availability of
state-of-the-art infrastructure. The GCC countries face a shortage of skilled
fertility specialists, embryologists, and nurses specialized in reproductive
medicines. Inadequate training programs and limited professional development
opportunities contribute to the scarcity of experienced professionals in the
field. Additionally, the lack of well-equipped fertility clinics and
laboratories poses challenges to the delivery of high-quality IVF services.
Unskilled healthcare professionals
reduces the success rate of the treatment and are further deteriorating the
fertility of people, which may hamper the growth of the market during the
forecast period.
Risks and Side Effects
IVF treatment increases the risks of
congenital abnormalities in babies born through IVF. Also, embryonic arrest
substantially reduces the success rate of the treatment. Also, eggs quality and
quantity are decreasing with the age of women. IVF also increases the
probability of premature birth. As women age, it is well known that their
chances of pregnancy decrease, which results in the discontinuation of the
treatment.
Also, the serious side effects
associated with the in-vitro fertilization ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
(OHSS), allergic reactions, hot flashes, bruising and soreness, nausea and
vomiting, weight gain, and abnormal spotting are hampering couples from
undergoing the IVF treatment, which may hamper the growth of GCC in-vitro
fertilization market during the forecast period.
High Cost
The high cost of IVF treatment acts as a
barrier for many couples who may not have the financial means to pursue
fertility treatments.
Also, the cost for every couple vary,
depending upon the various health conditions, requirements and the number of
IVF cycles opted by the patient, which adversely impacts the market growth. IVF
procedures can be expensive, including costs associated with medications,
laboratory procedures, and consultations. Additional ultrasounds and scans,
further increase the overall cost of the treatment.
Limited insurance coverage for IVF
procedures adds to the financial burden, making it difficult for a broader
segment of the population to access IVF services. Such factors may hamper the
growth of the market in the coming years.
Key Market Trends
Increasing Insurance Coverage
The GCC in-vitro fertilization market is
expanding as many insurance companies in the GCC are expanding coverage for
infertility treatments, including IVF. This is making these treatments more
accessible and affordable for a larger segment of the population, thereby
driving market growth. For instance, comprehensive health insurance policies,
including coverage for IVF treatments and conditions, can be provided by CCW
global to the United Arab Emirates, which fill further propel the growth of the
market during the projected period
Improving Testing Techniques
Diagnostic techniques are an important
integral part of the IVF process. The continuously evolving testing techniques
have eventually led to the increasing pregnancy rates among the women. The
development of new genetic test is prompting the demand for IVF treatment. The
tests are now allowing embryos to be evaluated more deeply and for the
detection of disease. For the purpose of detecting abnormalities, specific
diseases and for the purpose of general screening, which can contribute to the
growth of the GCC in-vitro fertilization market during the forecast period. If
the cost is affordable, genetic testing will be carried out on all embryos. The
ultimate goal of IVF continues to be the detection of the best embryo, but
while this is improving, there is still a lack of a clinically relevant
breakthrough in this area.
Training and Infrastructure Development
Investing in training programs for
healthcare professionals specializing in reproductive medicine is crucial.
Additionally, improving the infrastructure and resources available in fertility
clinics and laboratories can enhance the quality and accessibility of IVF
services. Also, with the increasing certified healthcare professionals the
success rate of the treatment will also increase, which will further attract
more patients for undergoing IVF. There is also a growing emphasis on quality
and accreditation in market. Clinics and fertility centers are focusing on
obtaining internationally recognized accreditations and certifications to
ensure patient safety, adhere to ethical standards, and enhance trust among
prospective patients.
Advances in Technology and Rising
Innovations
Innovations associated with fertility
treatment helps in the improvement of the health and wellbeing of the baby
through genetic screening and testing. These innovations are also beneficial to
reducing the risk of certain types of genetic disease, in addition to
addressing fertility problems. Automatization of the IVF laboratory will give
rise to another stage in IVF that is more accessible. It will be more
reproducible, with a smaller variation in the centers. The emergence of
innovative technologies is the latest development in embryo culture medium such
as embryonic genetic testing, detection of genetic diseases before the transfer
of embryos, and oocyte preservation, which are already creating standard shifts
in the field of assisted reproduction technology.
Favorable Laws and Regulatory
Governments and healthcare providers
should explore options to reduce the financial burden of IVF treatment. This
can include insurance coverage for fertility treatments or the establishment of
financial assistance programs. Also, the new IVF law provides framework for
intragovernmental consultation and decision making in the field of fertility
treatment, which will allow increasing research into the area of the fertility
treatments. Harmonizing IVF regulations across GCC countries can reduce
inconsistencies and provide a clear legal framework for IVF practices. Regular
review and updating of regulations can ensure they keep pace with advancements
in reproductive technologies.
Segmental Insights
Technique Insights
Based on
the technique, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) IVF has emerged as the
dominant choice in the GCC IVF market for several compelling reasons. First and
foremost, ICSI is highly effective in addressing male infertility issues, which
are prevalent in the region. Lifestyle factors, such as high rates of obesity
and tobacco use, have contributed to male fertility problems, making ICSI a
preferred method for overcoming these challenges by directly injecting a single
sperm into an egg, bypassing natural barriers.
Furthermore,
ICSI is known for its high success rates, making it a preferred choice for
couples seeking fertility treatment. Its precision and ability to enhance
fertilization have made it a reliable option, especially in cases where
conventional IVF techniques may have failed. This high success rate aligns with
the aspirations of GCC couples who often seek fertility treatments with the
expectation of successful outcomes. The GCC region's commitment to advanced
healthcare and technology has also driven the popularity of ICSI IVF. Fertility
clinics and centers in the GCC offer state-of-the-art facilities and
well-trained medical professionals proficient in ICSI techniques. The growing
medical tourism industry in the region attracts patients from neighboring
countries, further promoting the dominance of ICSI IVF in the GCC IVF market. In
summary, ICSI IVF's effectiveness in addressing male infertility, its high
success rates, and the region's advanced healthcare infrastructure collectively
contribute to its dominant position in the GCC IVF market, meeting the growing
demand for effective fertility treatments in the region.
Reagent Insights
Based on
the reagent, Embryo culture media holds a dominant position in the GCC IVF (In
Vitro Fertilization) market due to its pivotal role in ensuring the successful
development of embryos during the critical early stages of IVF treatment.
Several factors contribute to its dominance: Embryo culture media provide a
carefully controlled environment for embryos to thrive. In the GCC, where
environmental conditions can be harsh, this level of control is crucial for
maximizing the chances of successful embryo development. These media are
designed to mimic the natural conditions of the female reproductive tract,
promoting healthy embryo growth. In a region where infertility rates are on the
rise, optimizing these conditions is paramount.
The use of
high-quality embryo culture media has been linked to improved IVF success
rates, aligning with the expectations of couples seeking fertility treatments
in the GCC. GCC countries often have
stringent regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical products,
including those used in IVF. The presence of reliable and approved embryo
culture media in the market meets these regulatory standards.
Fertility
clinics and centers in the GCC region have access to advanced technology and
medical expertise, further emphasizing the importance of using quality embryo
culture media to achieve optimal outcomes. In conclusion, embryo culture
media's role in supporting healthy embryo development, its ability to enhance
IVF success rates, and its alignment with regional regulations and clinical
expertise make it the dominant choice in the GCC IVF market, offering hope and
solutions to couples struggling with infertility.
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Country Insights
Saudi
Arabia stands out as a dominant force in the GCC IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
market for several compelling reasons:
Saudi
Arabia reports some of the highest infertility rates in the region, attributed
to factors such as delayed childbearing and lifestyle changes. This elevated
demand for fertility treatments makes the Saudi market one of the largest and
most influential in the GCC. The country boasts a well-developed healthcare
infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art fertility clinics and centers
equipped with advanced technology and experienced medical professionals. This
infrastructure enables the delivery of high-quality IVF services and attracts
patients from neighboring countries. Saudi Arabia has implemented regulations
and standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of IVF treatments, promoting
the use of approved and reliable technologies and methodologies. The Saudi
government has shown a commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives,
including fertility treatments. This support encourages the growth and
accessibility of IVF services within the country.
Cultural
norms and religious beliefs in Saudi Arabia emphasize the importance of family
and parenthood, driving individuals and couples to seek fertility treatments,
including IVF, when faced with infertility issues. In summary, Saudi Arabia's
high demand for fertility treatments, well-established healthcare
infrastructure, regulatory support, government initiatives, and cultural
factors collectively position it as the dominant player in the GCC IVF market,
making it a key hub for individuals seeking solutions to infertility
challenges.
Key Market Players
- HealthPlus
Fertility & Women’s Health Center
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC)
- Thuriah Medical Center
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center
- ART Fertility Clinics
- New Hope IVF
- AlReem Medical Center
- Wara Hospital
- Royale Hayat Hospital
- Quttainah Specialized Hospital
- Feto Maternal Medical Centre
- Elite Medical Center
- Bahrain Gynecology and Infertility Center
- Al Baraka Fertility Hospital
- Janeen Fertility & Genetics Centre
- Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group
- Dr. Samir Abbas Hospital
- Mediclinic Middle East
- Al Ahli Hospital LLC
- Al Tai Medical Center
|
By Technique
|
By Reagent
|
By Instruments
|
By Infertility
|
By Embryo
|
By
Application
|
By End Use
|
By Country
|
|
ICSI IVF
Non-ICSI/Traditional IVF
|
Embryo Culture Media Cryopreservation Media
Sperm Processing Media
Ovum Processing Media
|
Imaging Systems
Sperm Separation Systems
Ovum Aspiration Pumps
Incubators Micromanipulator Systems
Cryo-systems
Others
|
Female
Male
|
Frozen-Thawed Embryo
Fresh Embryo
|
Fertility Clinics Hospitals
Others
|
LocalsExpatsMedical Tourists
|
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Oman
Kuwait
Qatar
Bahrain
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the GCC IVF Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition
to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
·
GCC IVF Market, By Technique:
o ICSI IVF
o Non-ICSI/Traditional IVF
·
GCC IVF Market, By Reagent:
o Embryo Culture Media
o Cryopreservation Media
o Sperm Processing Media
o Ovum Processing Media
·
GCC IVF Market, By Infertility:
o Female
o Male
·
GCC IVF Market, By Embryo:
o Frozen-Thawed Embryo
o Fresh Embryo
·
GCC IVF Market, By Applications:
o Fertility Clinics
o Hospitals
o Others
·
GCC IVF Market, By End User:
o Locals
o Expats
o Medical Tourists
·
GCC IVF Market, By Country:
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Oman
o Kuwait
o Qatar
o Bahrain
Competitive Landscape
Company
Profiles: Detailed
analysis of the major companies present in the GCC IVF Market.
Available Customizations:
The GCC IVF Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The
following customization options are available for the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to
five).
GCC IVF Market is an upcoming report to be released
soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date
of release, please contact us at [email protected]