Urological Products: FSA Eligibility

What are urological products?

Urological products are designed to help individuals experiencing urinary incontinence. Common reasons for urinary incontinence include spinal cord injuries, old age, pregnancy, and surgical recovery. Urological products describe a wide range of products that enable individuals to resume a normal lifestyle without the concerns of urinary incontinence. Urological products include catheters, leg bags, gloves, pouches, and tubes.

Catheters and leg bags are the most common urological product. Catheters include internal and external versions that either reside within the urethra or bladder, or outside of the body like with a female catheter or a condom catheter. Foley catheters are another variety commonly used for urological applications.

Catheters lead to a bladder, pouch, or leg bag designed to store the urine that comes from the bladder through the catheter. Pouches, bladders and leg bags are measured in milliliters (ml), usually in a 500ml or 1000ml variety, and may come with straps in order to be worn beneath clothing. Pouches and leg bags come with release valves for quick and easy emptying at a restroom. Straps may be provided in the case of a leg bag so that an individual can walk with their leg bag discretely worn beneath their clothes (WebMD).

Larger versions of bladders and pouches exist, such as bedside drainage bags. There are also disposable bags which are not intended to be re-used or cleaned.

Other urological products may be used for various applications such as sleep, travel, and physical activity. They may have extensions or other modifications or additions to the equipment set up, such as lengthening tubes or extenders. Urological products are commonly sold Over-the-Counter (OTC) at drugstores and medical supply stores, and are considered eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.