Have had a fistula for ~8 years. Should I consider surgery?
I’m 24M and have had what I now believe is an anal fistula for around 8 years. I had a tough childhood and was too embarrassed to tell anyone, including my parents. I initially thought it was a hemorrhoid.
A few months ago I researched it properly and realized it was probably a fistula. I finally saw a doctor today, and he asked me to get a sonofistulography done.
The thing is, I don’t really have any pain. It swells up maybe once every 5-6 months, then drains the same day or the next. Otherwise, my life is completely normal.
I’m worried about surgery because I don’t want to fix something that barely affects my life, only to end up with complications or multiple surgeries. I’m doing well in life and honestly don’t want to mess that up.
At what point did you decide surgery was worth it? Is there any reason not to leave it alone if it’s not causing much trouble?
The only issue I have is occasional skid marks/discharge on my underwear, and I’m not even sure if it’s pus or stool.
Would really appreciate hearing from people who’ve been through something similar.
TL;DR: 24M, probably have had an anal fistula for ~8 years. It rarely swells/drains and otherwise doesn’t affect my life. Doctor recommended a sonofistulography. Worried surgery could make things worse. When is surgery actually worth it?