Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing Market Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The global sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.53% during the forecast period.

A sexually transmitted disease starts with sexually transmitted infections often caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The growing prevalence of multiple STDs worldwide with HIV leading the list is expected to drive the STD testing market in coming years. Moreover, the government initiatives to increase awareness coupled with the ease of accessibility of STD testing kits are further contemplated to boost the STD testing market.

Multiple STD-Related Cases

There are more than twenty types of STDs prevailing in the world caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common type of STDs are Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, HIV, HPV, Public lice, Syphilis, and trichomoniasis. The rising cases of STD widen the STD testing market scope. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 1 million STDs or sexually transmitted infections are contracted each day worldwide. Moreover, an estimated 374 million new cases of one of the four sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) - chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis occurred in the year 2020 as per the WHO reports. STDs impact reproductive health through stigmatization, infertility, cancers, and pregnancy complications and may increase the risk of HIV. These huge cases along with the adverse health effects are anticipated to propel the STD testing market.

Growing Prevalence of HIV

HIV continues to be the major STD and the rising cases of HIV are a crucial growth driver of the STD testing market. According to WHO, around 38.4 million people worldwide were suffering from HIV in 2021 with a total of 650, 000 deaths due to HIV-related illness. More than 75% of 38.4 million people in 2021 were receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV to control onward transmission as per the WHO estimates. The higher number of people receiving the therapy indicates the acceptance of STDs among people and thus, it is expected to drive the STD testing market globally.

Government and Other Institutions Initiatives

Various programs are being run by the government and other institutions to raise awareness and encourage individuals to adopt for STD testing thereby boosting the STD testing market size. The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), for instance, was established in the UK in March 2022. The program's primary goal is to lower the likelihood of chlamydia infection that goes untreated. Additionally, the program is shifting from prevention and control to a focus on minimizing the risks associated with untreated chlamydia infection by predominantly screening women and girls. Further, the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) of Grinnell College launched a new STI Testing and Treatment program in February 2023 which aims to offer a safe space to receive confidential STI testing and on-site medication for free. These programs and several other programs by recognized institution coupled with technological advancement is expected to drive the STD testing market.

Opportunities in the Market

The growing prevalence of STD cases worldwide provides an extremely good opportunity for STD testing market expansion. For instance, STD cases in the American region is increasing year on year since 2014 and show no sign of slowing in the coming years as per the CDC reports. Moreover, the technological advancements and more at-home diagnostic tests keeping the patients' identity confidential further provide a growth opportunity for the STD testing market.

Restraints in the Market

Apart from all the growth factors and rising STD cases, a few factors are expected to limit the STD testing market growth. The less literate and low-income nation is not much aware of the medication and diagnostic tests which amounts to a large portion of STD cases worldwide. This lack of knowledge and reluctance toward STD testing is expected to be a major hindrance to the STD testing market expansion. Significant obstacles prevent adolescents in low- and middle-income countries from accessing STI and SRH services. Efforts to improve clinic processes and provider attitudes, especially confidentiality concerns, may be necessary to increase uptake. Additionally, addressing cultural norms surrounding adolescent sexuality may be necessary for removing barriers to STI services.

North America is an Expected Dominant Market

The North American region is expected to hold a significant share of the STD testing market during the forecasted period. The factors attributed to such a significant share are rising STD cases in the region and increased awareness among people leading to more adoption of STD diagnostic tests and medication. For instance, an STD awareness week program occurs in April to raise awareness and reduce STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination. According to CDC, overall reported STD cases increased by 11% from 2016 to 2020 in America with a 235% increase of congenital syphilis, and 45% of gonorrhea disease. Further, the technological advancements and presence of global market leaders such as Abbott Laboratories, and Becton Dickinson Company contributes significantly to the STD testing market.

STD Testing Market Players

• For the detection of various STDs like gonorrhea and others brought on by Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium,  Abbott laboratories offer an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and a vitro polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
• Becton Dickinson,  a US-based company provides a STI  and BD MAX™ portfolio for women’s health. BD MAX™ GBS tests the group B streptococcal disease which is a leading cause of infant mortality in the US. BD MAX™ CT/GC/TV tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, and trichomonas vaginalis in female patients.

Key Market Development

• In November 2022,  to assess the value of more accessible at-home STD testing for locals, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) developed an at-home Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing program. Individuals interested in testing for STIs testing between the ages of 18 and 24 were given access to this program.
• In October 2022,  Unity Sexual Health (Bristol) recently unveiled four locations in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire with new vending machines delivering free sexual health testing kits. This offers a simple, cost-free, quick, and private approach to testing for STDs.

Segmentation:

By Disease Type

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes simplex virus
• Syphilis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Others

By Testing Location

• Laboratory testing
• Point of care (POC) testing

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others