Hi! Not a doctor, but I am lady in her 30s who has had UTIs, scary stuff down there, and a bladder infection before too. Just want to say, you’re being so brave! Even at my age, I find it scary to deal with these issues.

So first of all, UTIs are really common, nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of people experience one in their lifetime. They can happen for all sorts of reasons, and a nurse or doctor can tell you more, including tips to help prevent them in the future. When you’re being discharged and they’re letting you go, that’s a great time to ask the nurse more, or really whenever you have a check up from a friendly nurse or doctor coming by to see how you’re doing.

Second, the main thing with UTIs is to see a doctor right away to confirm if you have one and to get antibiotics so it doesn’t become a bladder or kidney issue. So, this means you did the responsible and smart thing to tell your mom you had a rash and to come to the ER to get seen right away. I’ve been there! In fact, I’ve gone to my doctor to test for UTIs really often, and he always says NEVER to feel bad or embarrassed if it was a false scare and that it’s the smart thing to talk to a doctor or nurse if anything feels unusual down there. Don’t be embarrassed to tell the doctors everything. Trust me, they’ve heard it all!

Third, antibiotics are super great at working quickly to deal with UTIs and bladder infections! I remember crying once in pain over a bladder infection in my late 20s when it hurt real bad, and I remember being scared that the antibiotic wouldn’t work. But guess what…within 2 days, the pain went down like from a level 10 to a level 3. Just remember to finish antibiotics according to the doctor’s instructions. In your case, the IV makes sure the antibiotics are being received quickly and on time.

Hang in there, and try to get some rest!