First time dealing with a perianal abscess

Hey everyone,

31F here. I was just diagnosed with a perianal abscess. The pain has been insanely intense, I literally can't sit, stand, or walk without terrible throbbing pain. Other than the severe localized pain and swelling, I don't have any fever or other symptoms.

My doctor put me on antibiotics and ordered a pelvic MRI with contrast to check if I have a fistula before deciding on draining it. I’m trying to make sense of this process and had a few questions for anyone who’s been through it or has medical knowledge:

1. Antibiotics + MRI before drainage: Is it normal to do a round of antibiotics and an MRI before draining an abscess? How does having the MRI help with the drainage, and does taking antibiotics first help prevent it from turning into a fistula?

2. Fistulas: How often do these actually turn into fistulas, and can the MRI pick up on a fistula track early on? If my abscess is not drained yet, does this mean I did not yet to develop a fistula?

Thanks so much to anyone who can share their experience or advice!