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

A metallic-smelling poop could be caused by various factors. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, OB/GYN at Yale University, Dr. Tara Carpacci, nurse practitioner and lecturer, This article was originally published on November 4, 2017, Karmic Relationships: What They Are & When To Leave, According To Experts, Placenta Previa Dos & Donts, & What To Expect When You Give Birth, Vaginal Bleeding After C-Section: What To Expect & How Long It Lasts, What Parents Are Talking About Delivered Straight To Your Inbox, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Either of these can be healthy. Eating certain foods can increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve constipation. While it's rare, it does happen, and it has more implications to your health and wellbeing than smell. Lets go back to sex ed for a second: Typically the menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but it can be longer or shorter. Find out how to check your cervix for changes before your period, what those changes mean, and. 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. In some people, progesterone can also cause loose and watery stools and diarrhea. If you're constipated while on your period, it may hurt due to straining. The orientation of pelvic muscles in your body may make some people more likely to push out their tampon during a bowel movement.. Changes in bathroom habits like constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps are side effects of your period too. Antibiotics remain one of the most effective ways of treating bacterial vaginosis. While these products may help, its always a good idea to check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications that could impact your health. Keep reading for the full scoop on why your bowels go wild when your flow comes to town. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Once treatment begins, the bacteria slowly begins to balance out. Dr. Shepherd says that kind of odor can indicate an infection, like bacterial vaginosis. Progesterone, though its main job is preparing your body for pregnancy, is also responsible for the regularity or irregularity of your periods. This shift in pattern is because the bowel is affected by period-related hormone changes. Iacovides, S., Avidon, I. and Baker, F.C., 2015. One of these involves bloating, Menstrual cramps are a natural occurrence, but severe cramps can affect a person's quality of life. Purchase breathable cotton underwear here. Its normal for menstrual periods to have a slight odor. A free and easy way to refer patients to digital hypnotherapy programs. Heres how you can clean up properly after pooping during your period: Now you know that period poop probs are normal. Some such conditions include: You may even notice changes to your poops during perimenopause and menopause. Most people can take ibuprofen, as it is generally well-tolerated. Well, theres a reason for that. The number-one cause of pungent pee? Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising should help to relieve symptoms. But certain changes can indicate more serious health issues. [Causes & Solution Explained! Gut pain? For people living with existing bowel issues, such as Crohns disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), progesterone can make their symptoms worse. 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. Pooping is uncomfortable while on your period. Heres, Vulvar pain is a common side effect of menstruation, but it could also be a sign of a medical condition. If Your Pee Smells Fishy. We avoid using tertiary references. As for that uniquely rank smell? A rotten smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. Some people have a hard time keeping a tampon in while they poop, while others have no problem. "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 . The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. You may feel like youre straining when you go or like you havent fully emptied your bowels afterward. This could just be menstrual blood that dripped out when you pooped. Exercise during a period can improve mood, reduce pain, and provide overall health benefits. Once again, the main culprit is prostaglandins. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. Understand the science behind hypnotherapy and how it works. While this means stress and anxiety can directly upset your gut, it also means you have the power to help reduce physical symptoms with your mind. It is normal for blood to smell after D and C. Just wait it out, the smell will eventually tamper off. Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018. 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. Could your IBS symptoms be mistaken for endometriosis? Diet and exercise also affect your poop, so eating well and being active may help. (Also, they're unnecessary, because, remember: Your vagina is a self-cleaning oven.) Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. "The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the course of the month. Constipation? Here, Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with NYU Langone, breaks down different period smells and their meanings. Constipation and defecation problems. 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. All rights reserved. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. (2016). Like we said, period poop can be on one end of the poop spectrum or the complete opposite. Some women report that their period smells like death, though this isnt necessarily a cause for concern. The resulting rotten odor from bacteria mixed with the menstrual flow should not be strong enough to detect others. 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. So, begin by changing it frequently. If you think you may have a tampon stuck up there but aren't able to get it out on your own, make an appointment with your ob-gyn ASAP. //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901893/https: http://ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/atvbaha.110.207449, https://labtestsonline.org/tests/progesterone, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550857909000230?casa_token=yDLdiAopEt8AAAAA:0P7-hurKxdgFFFGgaZ8shC29izRrHFCBzlTEBTTnWhbc64Y4RtPLBVtH8B3JtGbhnuBYYjAX, https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF01308037.pdf, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016508504021894?casa_token=M-2Ynf5anFoAAAAA:IhKBcOmHNNmiGVXGHH89c97e_ey_mVDclZoCQLZ6C4I4h54ec_4rJylMRqGpLqhAGr0RNkYh, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399908000627?casa_token=qaWM_VM4mocAAAAA:mcXMTRbh6up3lVCVzulYBcE89hir2CxNhnb3bfZg3g330liL7AZnXdPqhrAmkdUYPb5fW2oy, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938499000943?casa_token=8toE54jmRFQAAAAA:MtsgUIDH1v3QDTy2NBx6geZC4gN1Ue7LK1LD6DqRpkXd72MLUFkp0L6bc-4GBy1cpQNBua0t. The smell of period poop is due in part by the change in womens eating habits, normally the week before their period. If your symptoms are particularly severe, you should make an appointment with your doctor. She emphasizes that this issue does not mean you arent taking care of yourself or that you necessarily have bad hygiene, noting that it's just that the vagina is literally right next door to the rectum very close and the bacteria can give the odor. Female bowel function: The real story. Buy now and pay in 4 installments with Shop Pay! 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. This is a small channel that has formed between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. Bacteria in the vagina are normal, though the amount can differ. The increased acid and bacteria in your vagina is why your period blood smells sweet. Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Tuffrey, V., Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K., 2005. Period poops can be caused by two hormones called prostaglandins and progesterone. First, consult with your doctor to ensure that no infections are present. The consumption of metal-rich foods can lead to the formation of metal compounds in your poop. Have a fever? So its important to try to get period diarrhea under control. Your whole body might feel more sensitive to pain at that time of the month. The same is true for the consistency of your poop it may be more solid at some times than at others. This kind of odor should raise a red flag. 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. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Some vaginal bacteria can naturally have a sweet smell, according to Women's Medical Associates of Nashville. Daley, A.J., Grimmett, C., Roberts, L., Wilson, S., Fatek, M., Roalfe, A. and Singh, S., 2008. Who's the culprit? So, begin by changing it frequently. Here are 9 causes of smelly urine. Here's What Your Vaginal Odor Is Trying to Tell You, What Your Vaginal Discharge Means, According to an Ob-Gyn, 3 Reasons You Might Have Vaginal Discharge After Working Out, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Bacterial Vaginosis CDC Fact Sheet, Women's Medical Associates of Nashville: "The Most Common Vaginal Odors (And Why They Happen)". Why Does My Babys Poop Smell Like Fish? That includes when you're on your period. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Using a menstrual cup is a great, eco-friendly alternative to tampons, but it doesnt come without its own strife when going number two. If any poop gets on a tampon string, change that tampon immediately. Changes in bowel habits are often temporary and harmless. Changes in your stools consistency, frequency, and smell is completely normal during your period. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. If you don't want to wait, you can talk to your doctor about a prescription for metronidazole, an antibiotic treatment for BV. Temporary vaginal odor is common and often resolves on its own. 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. However, if your diarrhea is bloody, get checked out by a healthcare provider. Here's how, Irregular periods can happen for many reasons, and can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. 2020. This section lists a few of the possible reasons. The role of stress in symptom exacerbation among IBS patients. Prostaglandins are also involved in many other PMS symptoms, including headaches. The menstrual cycle is important in the development of the female body but has a range of uncomfortable effects. This can occur at the end of a period when you dont require insertion of a new tampon as frequently, and there is no more bleeding. 1. Menstruation involves the shedding of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina. Yup, you have your changing hormones to thank for all those side effects. This odor is mainly attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection that is a lot stronger than a normal period smell. You have a rare fistula between your colon and vagina. Your doctor, in some cases, may advise you to start the contraceptive pill. If your period smells like poop, this could be the culprit. By frequently changing tampons and pads, you may be able to control such odors, especially on days when you have a lot of flow. Zhou, C., Zhao, E., Li, Y., Jia, Y. and Li, F., 2019. 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. In many cases, foul-smelling stools occur due to the foods people eat and the bacteria present . Also, wipe gently! Hence seed immediate medial attention. The body has a hard time digesting these foods, and eating more of them can affect a persons bowel movements. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Thats your period. These changes affect the whole body, leading to familiar premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, and digestive changes. Many period smells are totally normal, but there are a few you should tell your doctor about. Dawood, M.Y., 1981. 14 Causes of Irregular Periods. The reason is simple: prostaglandins.. and Dash, B.H., 1992. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. You have had prolonged labor with some blood vessels squeezed by the babys head and some areas of the vagina have died and filled in with a communication to the bowel (a fistula). Flow on the Fritz? Did we mention the crime scene at hand when a tampon or menstrual cup isnt in? One reason for this is because the same hormones that stimulate uterine contractions can also stimulate your bowels. Stress can also affect a persons bowel movements, causing constipation or diarrhea. A recent study showed that gastric symptoms (similar to those experienced with IBS), are common during your period. We share eight methods to help regulate your menstrual cycle and manage premenstrual symptoms. We work with experts to ensure our content is helpful, accurate and trustworthy. A review of microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome: future in therapies. These hormones stimulate muscle contractions in the uterus. Here is a look at the possible causes, symptoms. If you cant feel them, schedule a vaginal exam with your doctor to confirm. Rotten smell. This is certainly not a normal or desirable aroma to be experiencing. Labtestsonline.org. She notes that this is not as uncommon as you think, and moms especially are given to distraction and having this happen. Again, this can be linked to changes in hormone levels throughout your menstrual cycle. If your period smells like poop, this could be the culprit. 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. This smell indicates that it is time to change the pad or tampon to control the odor. They basically double-team on slowing down your digestion and scaring away your poop. The nerves in your stomach are linked to the brain through an internal link called the gut-brain connection. Its normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. Chances are if you smell yourself, others are smelling the odor too. Raise your hand if you get bloated, crave a Snickers, or feel hella weepy when watching sappy commercials before or during your period. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Are you having period cramps, constipation cramps or diarrhea cramps? If the smell changes suddenly, see a doctor. But theyre far from rare: In fact, one small study found that most women have gastrointestinal issues, particularly abdominal pain and diarrhea, before or during their periods. And wondering why your vagina smells like poop may not be something you're comfortable asking your BFF about as you chat over mimosas and french toast at brunch. The fistula allows feces to leak into the vagina. Diarrhea means your poop is soft and watery, and you may have to go a lot. Because the pelvic muscles operate so closely to your anal sphincter, bearing down to poop may move or expel your tampon. Consult your doctor if your period stinks, and you have any unusual symptoms. The amount of bacteria in the vagina fluctuates, which can change the smell. Because you may notice that, like your vagina, your period has an odor. But if the egg isnt fertilized by sperm, your body releases it, along with the uterine lining. So, if you leave a tampon in for longer than recommended, the foul smell is dead blood cells and bacterial growth. If youre dealing with constipation, straining to poop can be painful. Progesterone is another type of hormone released into your body as part of your monthly cycle. Its also a good idea to cut back on inflammatory foods and drinks like coffee during this time. 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