Why does my poop smell like eggs?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Poop can smell like rotten eggs when gut bacteria break down sulfur-rich foods (such as eggs, meat, garlic, dairy, and cruciferous vegetables) and release hydrogen sulfide gas during digestion. Occasional sulfur-smelling stool is usually harmless, but persistent egg-like odor can also signal malabsorption, infection, or conditions like IBS, IBD, or celiac disease.

Because the cause can range from your last meal to an underlying digestive issue, it's worth clarifying what's driving your symptoms before they worsen or lead to unnecessary worry. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on whether home care or a doctor's visit is the smarter next step.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Inside your gut, many tiny bacteria help you break down food. When the bacteria break down foods rich in sulfur like eggs or some vegetables, they produce gases that contain sulfur, like hydrogen sulfide, which smells similar to rotten eggs. This egg-like odor in your poop is often a normal result of how your body digests food. However, if the egg-like smell lasts a long time or comes with other symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea, it could be a sign of a gut issue. You can use this free symptom checker to help understand what might be causing your symptoms and whether you should consult with a healthcare provider.

(References)

Arakaki L, Tollefson D, Kharono B, Drain PK. Prevalence of rotavirus among older children and adults with diarrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine. 2021 Jul 30;39(33):4577-4590. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.06.073. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34244008.
Kawadiya S, Welling C, Grego S, Deshusses MA. Fecal Malodor Detection Using Low-Cost Electrochemical Sensors. Sensors (Basel). 2020 May 20;20(10):2888. doi: 10.3390/s20102888. PMID: 32443709; PMCID: PMC7287618.
Moon JY, Kye BH, Ko SH, Yoo RN. Sulfur Metabolism of the Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer: The Threat to the Younger Generation. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 19;15(8):1966. doi: 10.3390/nu15081966. PMID: 37111185; PMCID: PMC10146533.

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