If you're preparing for your first IV hydration therapy session, you are probably getting a bit excited. But you may also have some questions floating through your mind about the treatment. If so, you're not alone. Many first-timers have some or all of the following questions:

1. Why is IV hydration therapy better than just drinking water?

In other words, if the goal of IV hydration therapy is to hydrate you, why not just drink water? Well, with IV hydration treatment, the fluid is going directly into your bloodstream, so you're hydrated almost instantly. If you were to just drink water, that water would have to flow through your stomach and into your intestines before being absorbed. So, it could be a while before you're well hydrated. Plus, if you have an upset stomach and your body is not absorbing water well, you may not even get well-hydrated from drinking. IV hydration therapy, by comparison, is a foolproof way to hydrate.

2. What's in the hydration solution?

The solution is basically saline — water with a very specific electrolyte added to maintain your body's natural, healthy fluid and electrolyte balance. The key electrolytes found in the solution are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 

3. How long will your session take?

You should plan on your IV hydration therapy session taking up to an hour. Some treatment centers offer what's called a push IV, which uses pressure to put the fluids into your bloodstream even faster than usual. If you end up receiving this type of treatment, then your session may be over in about 20 minutes. But otherwise, you'll get a standard, drip IV, which takes around an hour to infuse.

4. Are there any risks to worry about?

Since the solution is delivered into your bloodstream is just an electrolyte fluid, it is very safe. It's not medicated in any way, so there is really no worry about side effects. The only possible risk associated with IV hydration therapy is that of an infection at the site where the needle is inserted into your vein, and that risk is very, very low — especially if your practitioner follows protocols and cleans your arm with an alcohol wipe first.

Your first time getting IV hydration therapy may be a little strange, but knowing the answers to these questions will help set the stage for a good experience. You'll walk out feeling energetic, vibrant, and hydrated.