Why Does My Vagina Have a Fecal Odor?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

A fecal odor coming from your vagina might mean that there is an unusual connection between the rectum (where stool exits) and the vagina, or other health issues that allow stool to mix with vaginal fluids.

Explanation

Sometimes, if you notice a fecal smell coming from your vagina, it could be a sign of a condition called a rectovaginal fistula. This is when there is a small channel or opening between your rectum and your vagina. Because of this opening, waste from the intestines can mix with vaginal secretions, giving off a fecal odor. Other times, similar smells may occur if there is inadequate hygiene or if normal bacteria in the area have changed, but a continuous fecal odor is more concerning. A rectovaginal fistula can happen due to infections, injuries during childbirth, surgeries, or other health concerns. It is important to talk with a healthcare provider if you notice a persistent fecal odor, even if there is no discharge or other symptoms. Your healthcare provider will perform tests and examinations to find out what is causing the odor and help choose a treatment plan to keep you healthy.

(References)

Tsai YF, Chen WY, Chiao CF, Wang TL, Lin AC. A 78-Year-Old Woman with Fecaloid Vaginal Discharge. Emerg (Tehran). 2015 Fall;3(4):168-9. PMID: 26495410; PMCID: PMC4608346.
Yockey LJ, Hussain FA, Bergerat A, Reissis A, Worrall D, Xu J, Gomez I, Bloom SM, Mafunda NA, Kelly J, Kwon DS, Mitchell CM. Screening and characterization of vaginal fluid donations for vaginal microbiota transplantation. Sci Rep. 2022 Oct 26;12(1):17948. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-22873-y. PMID: 36289360; PMCID: PMC9606370.
Updated 2023 May 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535350/

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