why does my period smell like poop why does my period smell like poop

Notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina? A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. Like we said, period poop can be on one end of the poop spectrum or the complete opposite. It also means you can get pregnant from anal sex," Carpacci says. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Just before menstruation, the body releases hormones known as prostaglandins. 14 Causes of Irregular Periods. Xiao, Z.L., Pricolo, V., Biancani, P. and Behar, J., 2005. And your poop can change over time due to diet, exercise, stress, hormones, and other health issues. Your doctor, in some cases, may advise you to start the contraceptive pill. For people living with existing bowel issues, such as Crohns disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), progesterone can make their symptoms worse. You might try holding the tampon string in front of you while you wipe or tucking it between your labia. First off, it might be your hormones. "As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. Heres how you should approach stain removal without having to throw your stuff, Uterine fibroids are more common in Black women. Other . Sulfur-rich foods. Those are additional symptoms that should spur a trip to the doctor, as these may signal an infection that needs to be evaluated and treated immediately. Fix the miscommunication between your gut and brain, Manage IBS with gut-directed hypnotherapy, Full access to our apps, white papers, and more, Free discovery call with our health specialists. If you find that certain foods cause foul-smelling gas or loose, smelly poop, you might have an underlying intolerance. These contractions help the body to shed the uterus lining. In some people, stools may become watery and loose, whereas, in others, they may be hard and more difficult to pass. Hormonal birth control, such as the oral contraceptive pill, can reduce PMS in some individuals by helping to regulate hormone levels. Why Does My Poop Smell Like Metal? To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Well, youre here now. Daley, A.J., Grimmett, C., Roberts, L., Wilson, S., Fatek, M., Roalfe, A. and Singh, S., 2008. Once treatment begins, the bacteria slowly begins to balance out. You arent changing your pad or tampon enough. Many women experience this monthly change in their toilet habits, especially if theyre prone to emotional changes during their cycle. The following sections discuss the bodily changes that occur just before or during a menstrual period that may affect bowel movements. But if the scent is strong and you notice other symptoms, such as cottage cheese-like discharge, burning, dryness or itchiness, you could have a yeast infection. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. In addition to your period causing symptoms like headaches, bloating, and skin breakouts, your menstrual cycle can also affect your digestive system. Other odor changes during your period can include a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt. If you cant feel them, see your doctor for a vaginal exam to confirm. If youre having period poops, it means youre experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or foul-smelling poop around the time of your period. Well get into how to figure out what kind of cramps youre having, the clean-up situations, and how to keep that damn tampon from shooting out of your vag when youre trying to handle business. High levels of progesterone are linked to binge eating and cravings before your period, which explains why period poop smells. Not drinking enough water. Yup, you have your changing hormones to thank for all those side effects. COVID-19 Vaccine May Cause Temporary, Minor Disruptions in Menstrual Cycle, How to Get Regular Periods Naturally: 8 Home Remedies for Irregular Periods. Something went wrong while submitting the form. We cant forget that the uterine and bowel contractions are caused by prostaglandins, so its no wonder why the cramps can be hard to distinguish. So, you must be aware of why my period smell so bad. If you have pus-like, green or frothy discharge, see your doctor right away, Dr. Shirazian says. Again, this can be linked to changes in hormone levels throughout your menstrual cycle. Poor oral hygiene can cause your breath to smell like poop. You're cleaning the right way, you should poop the right way! Using a menstrual cup is a great, eco-friendly alternative to tampons, but it doesnt come without its own strife when going number two. Why does it hurt to poop on my period? National Library of Medicines list If this is a continual problem, take your tampon out before pooping. While its not terribly common, the bacteria from the bowel the lower intestines indeed can easily become the bacteria in the vagina, Mary Jane Minkin, an OB-GYN at Yale University, tells Romper. (2018). However, if your diarrhea is bloody, get checked out by a healthcare provider. If you always lose your tampon when you poop, and youre pooping a lot, you may want to try another period product. Some women report that their period smells like death, though this isnt necessarily a cause for concern. Talk to your doctor and see if your periods are making you anemic. They also often report looser stools. Could your IBS symptoms be mistaken for endometriosis? Iacovides, S., Avidon, I. and Baker, F.C., 2015. Try not to strain when passing a bowel movement. Evia uses gut-brain hypnotherapy to help you manage menopausal hot flashes and night sweats without drugs. You bleed through a pad or tampon in an hour or less, your period lasts longer than seven days, or both. Quiz: Could hypnosis help you quit smoking? Michener, W., Rozin, P., Freeman, E. and Gale, L., 1999. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Before the start of your period, the cells in your uterus begin to release prostaglandins to kick start contractions that shed the lining of your uterus.Prostaglandins may also be released into your bloodstream. They also cause period cramps, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Have you ever wondered why poops are different during your period? Tons of message boards and really bad advice could lead you to many remedies that of course include essential oils, crystal healing, and various other accouterments that Gwyneth Paltrow thinks you should hold in your vagina while steaming your butt and eating mushroom powder. Chances are if you smell yourself, others are smelling the odor too. Some women experience more gas before their period or notice that their farts are extra-smelly. Unfortunately, a poop smell from your vagina is not always so simply solved. Period cramps tend to be lower in your abdomen because they happen only in your uterus, and can radiate into your lower back as well. The color can vary based on what you eat, but you might also notice your poop gets reddish around your period. Seaman, H.E., Ballard, K.D., Wright, J.T. The pill is an extreme treatment option and there may be other side-effects., Straining hard to pass a bowel movement may also dislodge your tampon during period poops. Changes in mood and stress levels are common during your period. Advertisement Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can affect people of any sex. This condition can cause a range of digestive problems, the most common of which include: If you think you might have IBS, it is best to seek medical advice for a diagnosis., Period poops show us how the reproductive system can influence the digestive tract. The most likely culprit for constipation is your fluctuating hormones. Try adjusting your diet accordingly depending on which type of poops youre more prone to. This is certainly not a normal or desirable aroma to be experiencing. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejp.714?casa_token=p6xympb9drQAAAAA%3APBwlAgzDiHzUzYCnIuRdLAoj8A1qahZR-Dpx_U9dogU2jLiL7xrjxFH5DSK21zPddBVc_wlFanuPug, https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/51878, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chloe_Grimmett/publication/51393313_The_Effects_of_Exercise_upon_Symptoms_and_Quality_of_Life_in_Patients_Diagnosed_with_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_A_Randomised_Controlled_Trial/links/5447626b0cf22b3c14e0cb0d/The-Effects-of-Exercise-upon-Symptoms-and-Quality-of-Life-in-Patients-Diagnosed-with-Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-A-Randomised-Controlled-Trial.pdf, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/prm/2006/731628/abs/, https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/39/12/884.short, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nmo.13461?casa_token=dw4wklQKZ8UAAAAA:kBw4YZ_xxLb_XHae74Zyr5OKGmL32-GtmIyC2ogYDDgZbqHbQTn87Rrxl08JUecpgN9QaopP2vG9DA, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1993.tb00697.x?casa_token=PMv3H55aWQkAAAAA:xaEmvfutFywt3FLvB7GS0iovrjU4FHYE0f4pzMbx7jNFpEsjdhmSJSwHx7JdzDXFSRFi0kVYJHYKdA, https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.1875-9114.1992.tb04479.x, https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-198122010-00003, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542356512003084?casa_token=6v2Z9ylEkRcAAAAA:iKcsh1B2Kg5jH0Zj3hpuVStpJz8dGa3P4kDKtaqq-IFksP9s3IjdTuILA03I-_ZdSghoOseL, https://journals.lww.com/gastroenterologynursing/Fulltext/2006/01000/Increased_Symptoms_in_Female_IBS_Patients_With.00002.aspx?casa_token=sGg3xj7R2VAAAAAA:KAKsF0P5stPHqnrxZUg37Nlkm_ti7wXVvEj6XmyRlk8JptYTg4kG6tO1m3X7tQtL5Y7nrbsdSC2XbhV6AB3-Gg, https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2008.01879.x, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-018-0673-5, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1933719117711262, Too much water (if you tend to have diarrhea on your period). Stay hydrated with water, broths, or electrolyte-laden sports drinks like Gatorade. Zhou, C., Zhao, E., Li, Y., Jia, Y. and Li, F., 2019. Hence seed immediate medial attention. If you cant feel them, schedule a vaginal exam with your doctor to confirm. Its no doubt that pooping on your period is messy. Period poops can be caused by two hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. This can cause symptoms such as: Additionally, prostaglandins may cause the body to absorb more water and make stools softer, causing diarrhea. Outkast said it best. This kind of odor should raise a red flag. V-Steams 101: What is Vaginal Steaming and How Does it Work. Studies have shown that your cycle can affect mood regulation and increase negative emotions and sensitivity to stress.Stress and anxiety have been shown to affect bowel movements and can cause diarrhea or constipation. The fistula allows feces to leak into the vagina. Here are a few things you can do to make your poop softer and bulkier and help your intestines do their job: For some of us, diarrhea is a special treat that comes along with our period. (2019). This may be worsened if you drink coffee while on your period, as caffeine has a laxative effect. Failing to brush and floss your teeth properly and regularly can make your breath smell because plaque and bacteria . & Other FAQ! The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. They should always talk to their doctor first before using this approach. Thats your period. Another way to help is to actually acidify the vagina directly a product like RepHresh, which is available as an over-the-counter vaginal gel, can be inserted every two to three days to maintain a good acidic pH.. Here is a look at the possible causes, symptoms. "When your body is dehydrated , the urine has a strong odor and appears dark in color," says Sherry Ross, M.D., an ob-gyn at . and De Vries, C.S., 2008. Lovell, R.M. Some people describe these changes as period poop.. And for some people, period diarrhea interrupts their lives. Here are some of the main causes of particularly bad-smelling poop: 1. The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. In addition, one final reason for which your vagina could smell like poop because fecal matter is indeed present would be a fistula, a small canal that connects the vaginal cavity to the rectum. nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo, kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstruation.html, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, kidshealth.org/en/teens/feminine-hygiene.html, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/definition/SYM-20050664, fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm, girlshealth.gov/body/health_help/gynecologist.html. It's possible you have an infection. For women facing breast cancer, hormonal treatments can come with their own challenges, one of the most bothersome being hot flashes. Learn more here. vaginal discharge outside of menstrual bleeding. You betcha. A review. You may have bacterial vaginosis if the fishy smell is accompanied by: Bacterial vaginosis may be noticeable during your period, but its not caused by your menstrual cycle. So, how do you solve this embarrassing issue? She adds that this problem can only be fixed surgically, and healing is not a fun process. While the particular cause of the overgrowth isnt known, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. So, begin by changing it frequently. Eating certain foods can increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve constipation. If youre dealing with constipation, straining to poop can be painful. Period Poop: Because Cramps, Cravings, and Crying Aren't Big Enough Pains in the Butt Periods and digestion Period poop symptoms Sanitary care and cleanup When to see a doctor No, it's not. Basically, you want to keep that area as clean and dry as possible. Similarly, vaginal washes are risky, too. "Menstrual blood smells different due to the fact that the blood is more than just blood," says Dr. Shepherd. (If it's tough to get to your gyno, there are online sexual health companies, such as Wisp, where you can chat with a doc about your symptoms, see if the Rx is a good option for you and then get them shipped to your home.). These hormones stimulate muscle contractions in the uterus. This is usually due to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause small cuts or scrapes. Mild soap and water do just fine, because they can cleanse the area without changing vaginal pH. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/20e9/425dc4f529c2d56261e6aa82ca96561d7a55.pdf, https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6874-14-14, https://www.dldjournalonline.com/article/S1590-8658(17)31104-0/abstract, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/inflammatory-bowel-disease, https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/stress-and-the-sensitive-gut. Youre better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Then theres having menstrual cramps, which is painful as it is, and having cramps on top of either having diarrhea or constipation is even worse. On the path to wellness, were here to show you the way. If youre worried about your poop suddenly smelling worse during your period, try and avoid overeating and cut out refined sugars and processed foods.. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. Endometriosis and its coexistence with irritable bowel syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease: findings from a national casecontrol studyPart 2. If your period smells like poop, this could be the culprit. The body has a hard time digesting these foods, and eating more of them can affect a persons bowel movements. But something else may be going on if you have poop or diarrhea that: A healthcare provider can check to make sure theres no other health condition causing those symptoms. I dont think we need to get into too much detail here, as one can imagine the traumatizing sight of poop and blood. Period MIA After Taking Antibiotics? Many women and other menstruating folks report that they experience more frequent bowel movements during their period. Exercise during a period can improve mood, reduce pain, and provide overall health benefits. Nurse Practitioner and lecturer Dr. Tara Carpacci of New York City tells Romper that while this is not a normal smell, it can happen especially after giving birth. Once again, this is due to the magic of hormones! Although theres no single cure for period poops, if you follow these simple steps you could reduce the likelihood of digestive trouble: To avoid digestive troubles during your period, try to eat clean as much as possible. Constipation on your period can make stool hard and painful to pass, for example. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Dr. Shirazian adds that this is often "self-limiting," meaning it will go away on its own without any particular treatment. If youre having tummy troubles, it might not just be a case of the period poops. Odors may be related to hormonal changes or even diet. 2023 Greatist a Red Ventures Company. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising should help to relieve symptoms. Rachmilewitz, D., 1980. The conversation around our periods is changing. What's With the Delay? Also, it is important to note that some men are subconsciously intimated or afraid of womens menstruation, which could cause you to imagine the smell. If youre lucky enough to not lose your tampon every time, then theres no rule that says you have to change it after you poop, its completely your prerogative unless theres poop on the string, then definitely get rid of that thing. But if the egg isnt fertilized by sperm, your body releases it, along with the uterine lining. Here are some period problems that are worth discussing with a medical expert. During each menstrual cycle, the body goes through many hormonal shifts. You can try acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) for overall pain and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) or antacids for digestive pain. isnt helped by changes in diet and habits. Poop can be different colors, usually shades of yellow or brown. It occurs when the egg. Why Does My Floss Smell Like Poop? Changes in bathroom habits like constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps are side effects of your period too. Your doctor can also identify or rule out more serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. "The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the course of the month. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. If you don't want to wait, you can talk to your doctor about a prescription for metronidazole, an antibiotic treatment for BV. If your used tampons always smell, try changing them more often, only using the smallest size you need at the time. Constipation and defecation problems. A period so heavy that it prevents you from doing everyday activities isnt, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. For example, in people with IBD-related constipation, progesterone-associated changes can make constipation worse. Wipe thoroughly from front to back, making sure poop stays away from your vagina. (2017). Experiencing bloating? Gut pain? We avoid using tertiary references. 5. Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. Coating materials like sorbitol (an indigestible sugar) can ferment and make your poop smell terrible. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. Smelly . PMS cravings will have you binging on hot cheetos and ice cream, and next thing you know youve surprised even yourself after that first trip to the bathroom after your period hits and it hits different trust us. Menstruation involves the shedding of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina. Created by Dr Simone Peters from Monash Univeristy. Here are the main causes of vulvar pain plus, Your cervix gets lower and softer before menstruation. High levels of progesterone are linked to binge eating and cravings before your period, which explains why period poop smells. If your period smells like poop, this could be the culprit. If your poop has blood in it when you dont have your period, check with your healthcare provider to find out whats up. But with some patience, you can become a period poop pro! Progesterone helps regulate your period: levels of this hormone rise to prepare your body for conception and pregnancy, then drop at the start of your menses if no egg is fertilized. Douching too may increase your risk of you suffering from this infection type. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection. The role of stress in symptom exacerbation among IBS patients. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. First things first, why does period blood smell? Most of the time, that's actually A-OK. This can result in a fishy smell. Unlike other normal odors, fishiness is a big sign of an underlying medical condition that needs the attention of a medical doctor. You might find that you do fine with them, but they may also throw off your vagina's pH and increase the odds of a yeast infection, she says. "There is something called a retrovaginal fistula, which is an opening that forms between the rectum and the vagina, that can cause your vagina to smell like feces. You might notice that you poop more often during your period. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. and Dash, B.H., 1992. But . Wald A. and Waite, I.M., 1993. For people who eat a generally healthy diet, the sudden introduction of new or unhealthy foods can also change the smell of poop. Take the quiz and find out if you can manage your flare-ups by fixing the miscommunication between your gut and brain, Created by Dr Simone Peters from Monash University. Ever wondered why you reach for more sweet or salty foods during your period? If the smell changes suddenly, see a doctor. Minkin says that if the odor persists, your health care provider would likely perform an examination and testing to determine a course of treatment to get your vagina back into balance and smelling more like it should. A metallic-smelling poop could be caused by various factors. "No matter what, this is not an issue you can self-diagnose or self-treat. (Also, they're unnecessary, because, remember: Your vagina is a self-cleaning oven.) ], Why Does My Poop Smell Like Popcorn? Period farts smell so awful due to gut bacteria changing during your period. Mindset Health only uses high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support our articles. Here, learn how to manage them and when to see a. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If you think you might have a more serious problem, dont be afraid to ask for help from a professional. You may already have bacterial vaginosis if the fishy smell is accompanied by: Although you may notice bacteria vaginosis during your period, your menstrual cycle isnt the culprit here. Period poop is a thing because periods are a thing. Or perhaps the other way around? The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. Altman, G., Cain, K.C., Motzer, S., Jarrett, M., Burr, R. and Heitkemper, M., 2006. Ali, T.T. Read evidence-based articles, guides, health resources and more. But did you know, it can work the other way as well? We avoid using tertiary references. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Although you wont find this term in a medical dictionary, its a common way to describe changes in your bowel movements around the time of your period. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. A rotten or foul odor from your nether region warrants a trip to the ob-gyn, Dr. Shirazian says. Blanchard, E.B., Lackner, J.M., Jaccard, J., Rowell, D., Carosella, A.M., Powell, C., Sanders, K., Krasner, S. and Kuhn, E., 2008. Viral or bacterial illnesses. Take our free quiz to discover if hypnotherapy can work for you. Increased symptoms in female IBS patients with dysmenorrhea and PMS. and Chang, L., 2009. Why does my period blood smell like poop? A slight change is usually nothing to worry about, Dr. Greves said, but if all of a sudden your period smells. Compounds called prostaglandins tell your uterus to contract to give your uterine lining the heave-ho thats why cramps happen. "Bacterial vaginosis. Other options include eating yogurt with active cultures or popping a probiotic. Heitkemper, M.M. Used tampons should only smell like blood, a metallic scent. Cant Stop, Wont Stop: Why Wont My Period End? Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Simply let soapy water run down your body in the shower. If you are concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel for the strings at the opening of your vagina. Here, Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with NYU Langone, breaks down different period smells and their meanings. Just like everybody poops, everybody farts. It may take a while for you to learn how your body reacts during this time and how best to care for yourself (and your aching uterus/gastrointestinal tract). These conditions may also flare up during your period. It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. When your rectum is irritated, wet wipes or an ointment like A&D Ointment (which helps with diaper rash) might help ease the pain. Liu, Q., Wang, Y., van Heck, C. and Qiao, W., 2017. However, if youre having bowel problems frequently, with symptoms occurring at different points in your cycle, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).