Why does my vagina have a fecal odor?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A fecal odor from the vagina may indicate a rectovaginal fistula — an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina that allows stool or gas to pass through. Other possible causes include severe constipation, bowel incontinence, infections, or complications from childbirth, surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or pelvic radiation.

Because a fecal-smelling vaginal odor is not typical and often points to an underlying medical issue that won't resolve on its own, it's important to identify the cause quickly. The right next step depends on your full symptom picture — and pinpointing that on your own can be difficult. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps toward care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

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. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker to better understand your condition. 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/

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.