Perianal abscesses in children may not occur later as their immune system increases and as they are breastfed and are effectively controlled in the early stages of inflammation and treated conservatively with medication on their own, after the abscesses have subsided. With increasing age, decreasing androgen levels and gradually decreasing anal sinus activity, plus smooth bowel movements, it is possible that perianal abscesses or anal fistulas may never occur again. However, research is now finding that a small percentage of children with this condition may heal and never have another episode as their bodies grow up and their immune system slowly strengthens.