What Causes Poop Smells Like Sewer Gas?

Your gut has many tiny microbes (bacteria) that help break down food. Sometimes, if these bacteria change or if your digestive organs do not make sufficient enzymes to help process food properly, your food may not be digested very well. This can lead to the creation of smelly gases, like hydrogen sulfide, that make your poop smell like sewer gas or rotten eggs. In certain bowel conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or infections like Clostridioides difficile, the balance of bacteria in your gut can change. These changes might lead to your poop having a strong, unpleasant odor because the bacteria make lots of odor-causing chemicals. Also, problems with how your body digests food can change the mix of these chemicals even more. If you notice a really bad smell along with other symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea, it might be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider.