What Does It Mean When Your Poop Smells Really Bad?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Extremely foul-smelling stool usually indicates digestive issues or dietary factors affecting your gut health. Common causes include consuming sulfur-rich foods like eggs, garlic, or cruciferous vegetables, which produce hydrogen sulfide gas during digestion. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can also create particularly offensive odors. Medical conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or pancreatic insufficiency may cause malabsorption, leading to fatty, foul-smelling stools. Some intestinal infections, including C. difficile and certain parasitic infections, can change stool odor, but smell alone cannot identify the cause. Contact a healthcare provider if the odor persists or comes with ongoing diarrhea, mucus, or abdominal pain. Seek prompt medical care for blood in the stool, severe pain, fever, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration rather than waiting 3-5 days.
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