kentuckywoman

Stone, you have my deepest sympathy. I know how painful an anal fistula can be as I have had surgery for three of them. An anal fistula can occur from a small tear as can occur with hemorroids and this becomes infected. I would recommend that you have the surgery because if not corrected, these fistulas can tunnel into the vagina and can allow feces to enter causing more infection. Fistulas can also tunnel to where the spincter muscle can be damaged. The spincter muscle is how you control your bowels.
From what I have learned from the fistulas I have had, the sooner you have it corrected, the less likelyhood of damage to your vagina or the spincter muscle. I had one that would drain a small amount of pus off and on for a year. The colon/rectal surgeon I was seeing could not find where it originated, as the drainage was occurring at the bottom corner of the vaginal opening. Finally on the day before Thanksgiving, the thing swelled to the size of an egg. The surgeon this time found that it had led directly to the rectum. The surgery simply involves opening this tunnel so that the infection can drain out. You will also be given antibiotics for the infection, and after the surgery you will need to take lots of worm water sitz baths. Once you have healed, you will be so glad you did. You will feel better than you have for a long time.
I would not think this should affect your reproductive organs unless you have already tunneled into the vagina. The longer you put off the surgery, is the greater chance you have for damage. just taking antibiotics will reduce symptoms for awhile, but the infection will come back unless this is surgically corrected. DO an internet surch for anal fistulas, and you can find lots of information. Many people suffer from this, so you are not alone.
Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.
Kentuckywoman