"Menstrual blood smells different due to the fact that the blood is more than just blood," says Dr. Shepherd. Popular vagina myth-busting ob-gyn Dr. Jen Gunter has an amazing saying: "It's a vagina, not a pia colada!" If you find that certain foods cause foul-smelling gas or loose, smelly poop, you might have an underlying intolerance. For women facing breast cancer, hormonal treatments can come with their own challenges, one of the most bothersome being hot flashes. There are a few possible reasons why your period blood might smell like dog poop. So, what exactly are period poops? Why Does My Poop Smell Like Moth Balls? In addition to your period causing symptoms like headaches, bloating, and skin breakouts, your menstrual cycle can also affect your digestive system. 2020. Just before menstruation, the body releases hormones known as prostaglandins. Period-related bowel changes can be unpleasant, but they usually end as the period ends. We avoid using tertiary references. "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.. You need to see your provider and get a full evaluation to determine what is causing the smell and how it can be remedied," Carpacci says. Why does it hurt to poop on my period? 2. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. People assigned male at birth often have no symptoms, but those assigned female can have a fishy-smelling vaginal discharge. Anal fistula. Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Tuffrey, V., Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K., 2005. In a word: don't. It may hurt more to poop during your period than it does at other times. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 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. Notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina? Heitkemper, M. and Jarrett, M., 2008. If you do use tampons, mind that string! Stress reactivity and emotion in premenstrual syndrome. The body has a hard time digesting these foods, and eating more of them can affect a persons bowel movements. By frequently changing tampons and pads, you may be able to control such odors, especially on days when you have a lot of flow. 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. "As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. and Waite, I.M., 1993. [& Other FAQ]. While the exact cause of this overgrowth isnt understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. 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. Forewarned is forearmed and all that. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. 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.. Learn how hypnotherapy works on the brain and how it is changing healthcare. 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. "No matter what, this is not an issue you can self-diagnose or self-treat. Why does my period blood smell like poop? If your used tampons always smell, try changing them more often, only using the smallest size you need at the time. However, diet and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk or impact of stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhea. There could be an easy solution, but there could be something more serious happening. Its no doubt that pooping on your period is messy. Also, read; Here are 3 things the smell of your period blood is saying about your health. Created by Dr Simone Peters from Monash Univeristy. The smell of period poop is due in part by the change in women's eating habits, normally the week before their period. Cant Stop, Wont Stop: Why Wont My Period End? Some styles can hold several tampon's worth of blood, but yours may need to be changed sooner. 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. Each month, just before your period begins, fatty acids known as prostaglandins begin to relax the smooth muscle tissues inside your uterus to help it shed its lining. Ibuprofen, ZzzQuil, and prenatal vitamins are also great influencers. When your rectum is irritated, wet wipes or an ointment like A&D Ointment (which helps with diaper rash) might help ease the pain. The number-one cause of pungent pee? Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Two important hormones are responsible for the majority of your period symptoms, including what type of poop you have during your cycle. Furthermore, people with IBD are more likely to experience other PMS symptoms, such as headaches or menstrual pain. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. So if youre pooping more often or having diarrhea during your period, its because the same hormones that cause cramps are romping around your midsection. Progesterone. If any poop gets on a tampon string, change that tampon immediately. Come join us! But with some patience, you can become a period poop pro! As the day wears on, bacteria develop which causes an odor and the odor sticks to your pad if you dont change it. The resulting rotten smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldnt be strong enough for others to detect. Period poops can be caused by two hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. If diet and habit changes dont help, or youve got bloody poop, call your healthcare provider. So, if you leave a tampon in for longer than recommended, the foul smell is dead blood cells and bacterial growth. 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. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. The effects of exercise upon symptoms and quality of life in patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Who's the culprit? Does pain vary across the menstrual cycle? Many women experience this monthly change in their toilet habits, especially if theyre prone to emotional changes during their cycle. I dont think we need to get into too much detail here, as one can imagine the traumatizing sight of poop and blood. While it's rare, it does happen, and it has more implications to your health and wellbeing than smell. 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. 1. Plus, your butt might be sore from all the extra bathroom trips and wiping (especially if you have diarrhea). They cause the muscle contractions that help your uterus shed its lining during your period. Its absolutely normal for this combination to have a slight odor once it exits your vagina. This could just be menstrual blood that dripped out when you pooped. You betcha. Diarrhea is a particularly annoying side effect because it can cause dehydration and even malnutrition because youre expelling many of the nutrients you get from food. She notes that this is not as uncommon as you think, and moms especially are given to distraction and having this happen. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to have severe period cramps and be diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) than those who do not. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Its typical for the vagina to contain bacteria, though the amount can vary. There are several conditions that have similar symptoms to period poop that could indicate a more severe underlying gastrointestinal or gynecological condition. So its important to try to get period diarrhea under control. This one is probably one of the most irritating things about pooping on your period. When the normal bacterial balance of the vagina is thrown off, you may develop bacterial vaginosis, or BV. Go ahead and thank your hormones for period poop. 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. 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. 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. Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. "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. The nerves in your stomach are linked to the brain through an internal link called the gut-brain connection. You have a rare fistula between your colon and vagina. 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. Zutshi M, et al. 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). Most of the time, that's actually A-OK. More Black Women Have Heavier Periods and Fibroids: Whats the Deal? But if you start noticing anything out of the ordinary, you may want to get it checked out. "There's also a chance that it's some sort of infection that's happening, or you might have forgotten a tampon and it's beginning to rot, which may smell vaguely like poop before it begins to putrefy in earnest." Period poops can be caused by two hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. Prostaglandins are hormones that play a part in regulating the female reproductive system and control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, the formation of blood clots and the induction of labour. "Whether it was . Understand the science behind hypnotherapy and how it works. 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. Food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in the irritable bowel syndrome. Did we mention the crime scene at hand when a tampon or menstrual cup isnt in? Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Here is a look at the possible causes, symptoms. This is a common infection that can cause your vagina to produce an unpleasant smell. Sometimes having a flow from one hole just isnt enough for Mother Natures standards, when shes feeling especially wicked. Another possibility is that you're taking metal supplements, which can also lead to the production of metal-based smells. On the path to wellness, were here to show you the way. Buy now and pay in 4 installments with Shop Pay! To prevent this, try using lube. Constipation can happen before your period even starts. Its normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. This disrupts your bacteria or yeast balance and can cause infections. 1. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This question should be posed to a gynecologist. If an egg is not fertilized and implanted, that lining is released," Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with NYU Langone, tells LIVESTRONG.com. Advertisement Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can affect people of any sex. If it seems like your period wont stop, there are several causes (like a new IUD or endometriosis) that could be to blame. Try adjusting your diet accordingly depending on which type of poops youre more prone to. Michener, W., Rozin, P., Freeman, E. and Gale, L., 1999. So, you must be aware of why my period smell so bad. If you don't want to wait, you can talk to your doctor about a prescription for metronidazole, an antibiotic treatment for BV. Furey, S.A., Waksman, J.A. But prostaglandins can migrate to other areas, including your gastrointestinal tract. Smelly discharge from the area of the anus may result from an anal fistula. Oh, and if you wear period underwear (which are truly wonderful, btw), you may want to consider if you need to change them or if they're being properly washed. Youre better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay. If you have watery poop or diarrhea, youll have to pay closer attention than usual. Some women tend to encounter rotten smells from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? 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). It's possible you have an infection. Other . Bacteria in the vagina are normal, though the amount can differ. In most cases, your period smelling like death is caused by tissues and blood exiting the vagina, along with bacteria. You may have constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, pain, and changes in poop color and smell. One reason for this is because the same hormones that stimulate uterine contractions can also stimulate your bowels. Period farts might be unpleasant, but do not be embarrassed. It's also possible that you have an infection. These conditions may also flare up during your period. The color can vary based on what you eat, but you might also notice your poop gets reddish around your period. The resulting "rotten" smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect. Heitkemper, M.M. But . This odor is mainly attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection that is a lot stronger than a normal period smell. & Other FAQ! High levels of progesterone are linked to binge eating and cravings before your period, which explains why period poop smells. Why Does My Babys Poop Smell Like Fish? You might notice that you poop more often during your period. [Causes & Solution Explained! If home treatments do not help, a doctor may recommend medication for an underlying issue or hormonal treatments. Copyright 2022 Mindset Health Pty Ltd ABN 11 617 368 957, Period Poops: What Are They & How to Stop Them, the cells in your uterus begin to release prostaglandins. Docs want to make sure that something like pelvic inflammatory disease hasn't been overlooked. If this happens and your period comes, the bacteria will have extra food (blood) to eat and multiply! 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. Heres How to Remove Period Stains Like a Pro. Feces normally have an unpleasant smell. Many women and other menstruating folks report that they experience more frequent bowel movements during their period. Have you ever wondered why poops are different during your period? 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. Nerva uses gut-directed hypnotherapy to help you manage irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, without diet change or drugs. You're cleaning the right way, you should poop the right way! Once again, this is due to the magic of hormones! We know you like to think your shit doesnt stink, but this right here is next level. This is especially the case if any unusual odors accompany the following symptoms: As a rule of thumb, you should see your gynecologist any time you suspect reproductive health issues. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? Some symptoms of period poops can include: In addition to proving that period poops are a common occurrence, the study also showed that youre more likely to experience digestive issues during your period if youre also experiencing emotional symptoms, like depressed mood and anxiety. Stay hydrated with water, broths, or electrolyte-laden sports drinks like Gatorade. A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. So, begin by changing it frequently. Black women are also more likely to experience severe symptoms like heavy periods and have symptoms, Antibiotics aren't likely causing your late period, but it may be affecting other parts of your body that influence your menstrual cycle. Period poops are pretty normal. The first step is always figuring out the underlying source and treating that," Dr. Shirazian says. Now, a strong fecal aroma around your vagina might be something as simple as a bacteria imbalance, but there are times when the issue can be a bit more complex. Digestive conditions that can contribute to foul-smelling stool include celiac disease, Crohn's disease, chronic pancreatitis and diseases that cause malabsorption, like cystic fibrosis and pancreatic infection, according to Mount Sinai. Being mindful of what you eat, before and during your period, can help. According to research appearing in the journal BMC Womens Health, people report greater sensitivity to pain and discomfort in the premenstrual phase as well as on their periods. If youre worried about your poop suddenly smelling worse during your period, try and avoid overeating and cut out refined sugars and processed foods.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A tampon left in for too long or forgotten could lead to a rotten odor. Avoid . Some vaginal bacteria can naturally have a sweet smell, according to Women's Medical Associates of Nashville. Other options include eating yogurt with active cultures or popping a probiotic. Role of progesterone signaling in the regulation of G-protein levels in female chronic constipation. A metallic-smelling poop could be caused by various factors. While prostaglandins do a good (and sometimes painful) job of getting the walls of the uterus to contract as part of your monthly menses (aka, your period), these hormones can also cause the muscles of the intestines to contract. This can result in a fishy smell. Completely portable and simple to use - no batteries required. Once again, the main culprit is prostaglandins. A recent study by Australian researchers showed that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because it helps people retrain their gut-brain connection. 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. (2018). Fishy "As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. 2. The pill prevents ovulation and keeps levels of poop-causing prostaglandins low. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You might have an infection. Avoid scented tampons and other products, as these can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Why does my period blood smell like poop? Be sure to clean up carefully, especially if youre wearing tampons. If youre dealing with constipation, straining to poop can be painful. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role. Do fluctuations in ovarian hormones affect gastrointestinal symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome?. Altman, G., Cain, K.C., Motzer, S., Jarrett, M., Burr, R. and Heitkemper, M., 2006. 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. Wald A. All rights reserved. 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. One possibility is that you have an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Some people describe these changes as period poop.. Keep reading for the full scoop on why your bowels go wild when your flow comes to town. So, begin by changing it frequently. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. 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. You have a rare fistula between your colon and vagina. Malabsorption. Whether youre constipated or having the runs, its gonna get messy. Prostaglandins and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help with some of this pain. Any old, black, dark, or deep red blood should be discussed with GP. Dr. Shirazian adds that this is often "self-limiting," meaning it will go away on its own without any particular treatment. In addition, research has identified a link between IBS, period pain, and endometriosis.. But certain changes can indicate more serious health issues. Bowel movement changes during menstruation can include constipation, diarrhea, or more frequent bowel movements. Once the bacteria is balanced out after treatment, you should no longer notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period. and Chang, L., 2009. Iacovides, S., Avidon, I. and Baker, F.C., 2015. The orientation of pelvic muscles in your body may make some people more likely to push out their tampon during a bowel movement.. (Period underwear is truly a gross but reliable friend.). 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. She adds that this problem can only be fixed surgically, and healing is not a fun process. 2023 Greatist a Red Ventures Company. Again, this can be linked to changes in hormone levels throughout your menstrual cycle. Your menstrual cycle is regulated by the hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, which all work together. 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. Period poop is real, and its one of the many joys women get to face when their Aunt Flo comes for a visit. If you find yourself wondering why your vagina smells like poop, you probably want some possible answers before heading into your OB-GYN. Progesterone is another hormone that increases right before a menstrual period. Using a menstrual cup is a great, eco-friendly alternative to tampons, but it doesnt come without its own strife when going number two. The same way that bearing down can dislodge your tampon, it can also change the way your menstrual cup sits, making it feel uncomfortable enough that youll probably end up taking it out, just to put it back in. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. ALSO SEE: Why Does My Poop Smell Like Metal? You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. In females who have chronic bowel issues or an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease, menstruation can make symptoms worse. Daley, A.J., Grimmett, C., Roberts, L., Wilson, S., Fatek, M., Roalfe, A. and Singh, S., 2008. The conversation around our periods is changing. So, if your period arrived late then the lining of the uterus might have died a couple of days before your period began, hence the smell. Some women experience more gas before their period or notice that their farts are extra-smelly. 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. Learn more. The smell comes owing to a heavy flow. There are several reasons why passing a bowel movement may hurt during your period. Eat a high-fiber diet to reduce constipation. The increased acid and bacteria in your vagina is why your period blood smells sweet. This can cause symptoms such as: Additionally, prostaglandins may cause the body to absorb more water and make stools softer, causing diarrhea. A randomized trial of yoga for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. In other words, this is a completely normal smell. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Use separate wet wipes to clean your vagina, your booty, and anywhere else you might have period blood or poop.