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

Bacteria in the vagina are normal, though the amount can differ. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Progesterone helps thicken the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg may develop, but this hormone can have other effects on the body too. Its partially caused by changing levels of hormones such as prostaglandins and progesterone. An attachable bidet is a game-changer for having a fresh butt and lady parts during your period! A skunk-like scent or a smell similar to body odor may be a sign that you're stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime. Odors you notice during your menstrual flow can also fluctuate. 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). In some people, progesterone can also cause loose and watery stools and diarrhea. More Black Women Have Heavier Periods and Fibroids: Whats the Deal? Infectious Disease 58 years experience. Clearly we have a toxic relationship with these friends. If youre having period poops, it means youre experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or foul-smelling poop around the time of your period. Can you treat irregular periods with home remedies? Wrapping Up In short, period poop is unpleasant for many reasons. Some women experience more gas before their period or notice that their farts are extra-smelly. "Menstrual blood smells different due to the fact that the blood is more than just blood," says Dr. Shepherd. Bowel movement changes during menstruation can include constipation, diarrhea, or more frequent bowel movements. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A metallic-smelling poop could be caused by various factors. (2018). But prostaglandins can migrate to other areas, including your gastrointestinal tract. 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. Other odor changes during your period can include a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt. We understand: It may feel really awkward to talk about poop with medical professionals. Raise your hand if you get bloated, crave a Snickers, or feel hella weepy when watching sappy commercials before or during your period. A slight change is usually nothing to worry about, Dr. Greves said, but if all of a sudden your period smells. 2020. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. Refer our programs to your patients and track their progress remotely. A few things can cause pain when you poop while on your period, including: constipation, which can make stool hard and painful to pass. Did we mention the crime scene at hand when a tampon or menstrual cup isnt in? Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. A recent study showed that gastric symptoms (similar to those experienced with IBS), are common during your period. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Dysmenorrhoea and prostaglandins: pharmacological and therapeutic considerations. All rights reserved. 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. Temporary vaginal odor is common and often resolves on its own. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the While the exact cause of this overgrowth isnt understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Many women experience this monthly change in their toilet habits, especially if theyre prone to emotional changes during their cycle. This could just be menstrual blood that dripped out when you pooped. Dr. Greves recommends increasing your fiber intake a few days before your period starts to avoid constipation. Female bowel function: The real story. If your symptoms are particularly severe, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Both may be uncomfortable or painful. Once treatment begins, the bacteria slowly begins to balance out. The period has a strong smell due to the tissues and blood leaving the vagina along with bacteria. Menstrual cups, absorbent underwear, or pads may save you from going through box after box of tampons. Consult your doctor if your period stinks, and you have any unusual symptoms. When this bacteria is out of balance, problems occur. About 14% of the population has IBS. Smelly . and De Vries, C.S., 2008. Diarrhea? We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. The scoop on poop: What does your poop say about your health? However, bleeding from the rectum thats where you poop from can have more serious causes, such as endometriosis (a disorder of the tissue that lines the uterus). Some other effective exercises for gastrointestinal upset include: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication commonly used to treat pain and fever. Some people choose to take the pill continuously and avoid having periods at all. Increased symptoms in female IBS patients with dysmenorrhea and PMS. 1. You aren't changing your pad or tampon enough. Blanchard, E.B., Lackner, J.M., Jaccard, J., Rowell, D., Carosella, A.M., Powell, C., Sanders, K., Krasner, S. and Kuhn, E., 2008. Period poop is a thing because periods are a thing. It can even be painful for a number of reasons. (Period underwear is truly a gross but reliable friend.). Prostaglandins and diarrhea. She explains that the Lactobacilli in the vagina make lactic acid that keeps the vaginal pH low-acidic, which is considered healthy for the vagina. However, ibuprofen may cause side effects such as: If your period poops are severe and are getting in the way of your daily life, it might be time to ask for help. Just like everybody poops, everybody farts. If you find yourself wondering why your vagina smells like poop, you probably want some possible answers before heading into your OB-GYN. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Here's how, Irregular periods can happen for many reasons, and can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. Not drinking enough water. Save $200 on TUSHY Ace electric bidet seat! Keep reading for the full scoop on why your bowels go wild when your flow comes to town. "A common one is lactose, but people can . Period poops are pretty normal. Learn how hypnotherapy works on the brain and how it is changing healthcare. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. Vaginal dryness impacts more than 50% of women experiencing menopause, and there are a range of options at your disposal to increase lubrication. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. If you're constipated while on your period, it may hurt due to straining. If your periods are also really heavy and long-lasting, talk to your doctor about options that can minimize the length and duration of your period, such as oral hormonal birth control or an intrauterine device (IUD), Dr. Shirazian says. This shift in pattern is because the bowel is affected by period-related hormone changes. Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018. Its also a good idea to cut back on inflammatory foods and drinks like coffee during this time. Learn more. Progesterone may increase feelings of hunger and can cause cravings for foods high in fat or sugar, such as ice cream or chocolate. vaginal discharge outside of menstrual bleeding. What gives? Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. In turn, this may help reduce cramps, nausea, and pain associated with bowel movements.If youre thinking about taking the pill to help with your digestion problems, make sure you consult a doctor first. Irritable bowel syndrome: does gender matter?. High levels of progesterone are linked to binge eating and cravings before your period, which explains why period poop smells. They should always talk to their doctor first before using this approach. 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. Changes in bowel movements during your period are normal, but you should seek medical advice if you experience the following: Your doctor can help you find a diagnosis and provide treatment options. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, if youre having bowel problems frequently, with symptoms occurring at different points in your cycle, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This, too, is normal. In other words, this is a completely normal smell. Is this an emergency? Popular vagina myth-busting ob-gyn Dr. Jen Gunter has an amazing saying: "It's a vagina, not a pia colada!" The following sections discuss the bodily changes that occur just before or during a menstrual period that may affect bowel movements. "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. Use separate wet wipes to clean your vagina, your booty, and anywhere else you might have period blood or poop. One of which is consuming metal-rich foods, too frequent. 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. (2007). Constipation can happen before your period even starts. Douching too may increase your risk of you suffering from this infection type. I dont think we need to get into too much detail here, as one can imagine the traumatizing sight of poop and blood. If your period smells like poop, this could be the culprit. Who's the culprit? These hormones release an egg from your ovaries and prepare your uterus for the egg to implant. 2023 Greatist a Red Ventures Company. Clearly, youre a pro front-to-back wiper. V-Steams 101: What is Vaginal Steaming and How Does it Work. Take our free quiz to discover if hypnotherapy can work for you. Avoid . The smell of period poop is due in part by the change in women's eating habits, normally the week before their period. At the same time, the period hormones may stimulate muscle contractions in the intestines and bowels, which are close to the uterus, causing more frequent bowel movements. You have a rare fistula between your colon and vagina. You may have constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, pain, and changes in poop color and smell. . Again, this can be linked to changes in hormone levels throughout your menstrual cycle. Cant Stop, Wont Stop: Why Wont My Period End? Period farts smell so awful due to gut bacteria changing during your period. Yup, you have your changing hormones to thank for all those side effects. Period farts might be unpleasant, but do not be embarrassed. However, the smell should not be anything like rotten meat and if that happens, youd need to see a gynecologist. You have a rare fistula between your colon and vagina. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising should help to relieve symptoms. She says if you notice any discharge at all around your rectum, this is likely the case. Everyones different when it comes to pooping, and according to a 2007 study, its hard to even say what is normal. Theres no one right amount or right number of times to do it. It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. And dont get us started on period farts. The amount of bacteria in the vagina fluctuates, which can change the smell. This can happen at the end of a period, when you dont have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding. High levels of progesterone are linked to binge eating and cravings before your period, which explains why the smell of your stool may, quite frankly reak, as a result of those pre-period eating habits. Stress can also affect a persons bowel movements, causing constipation or diarrhea. It's possible you have an infection. Melatonin treatment may be able to restore menstrual cyclicity in women with PCOS: a pilot study. Are you having period cramps, constipation cramps or diarrhea cramps? "If you have twin 2-year-olds banging on the door while you're trying to change your tampon, as I did, it could easily happen.