Why Your Poop Smells Like Sulfur: Causes & How to Fix

Key takeaways:

• Sulfur-smelling poop is not usually a cause for concern.
• The issue will often go away on its own after 48 hours.
• You may need to make some dietary or behavior changes to help with the sulfur smell of your poop.

Although having bowel movements is an essential bodily function, it isn’t something people talk about much. But if you notice something different about your poop, you’ll undoubtedly wonder about it. The odor is one example. You aren’t surprised when it’s smelly because that’s normal; but what if the smell you’re used to changes? That’s often normal too, such as when you change your diet, suffer from an illness, or start on a new medication.

Any of these can make your poop smell different from what you’re used to. Certain smells, however, may get your attention – such as when your poop smells like sulfur.

Sulfur-smelling poop defined

When poop smells like sulfur, that means it smells like rotten eggs or a skunk – the odor is especially foul. Chemically, sulfur is a gas known as hydrogen sulfide, which is produced in normal amounts by bacteria that reside in the intestines (the gut).

In high concentrations, sulfur is poisonous and harmful to health. Fortunately, human intestines are not capable of producing such a large amount.

Is it normal for your poop to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs?

Many factors influence the smell of your poop. The foods you eat, beverages you drink, current or recent illnesses, and even medications can have an effect.

Keep in mind that hydrogen sulfide is a normal byproduct of intestinal digestion. It is partially responsible for the unpleasant odor of poop. What that means is, poop that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. It may be a normal reaction to changes in your diet, a minor illness, or a new type of medicine you’re taking.

Causes of poop that smells like sulfur

Following are some of the most common causes of poop having an unpleasant sulfur-like smell.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is one of the most common causes of sulfur-smelling stool. Alcohol has several effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) system that lead to smellier poop.

Firstly, alcohol contains chemicals known as sulfites. These are used as preservatives in many foods, including wine and beer. Sulfites are broken down into hydrogen sulfide gas, which gives poop the rotten egg smell. Further, beverages like beer, wine, and cider are rich in sulfate, which is broken down by intestinal bacteria into hydrogen sulfide gas.

Alcohol also makes stool smelly in other ways. For instance, it decreases the time intestines have to reabsorb water and nutrients. Poop that contains poorly digested food is more likely to pack a pungent punch. Further, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it promotes fluid loss through frequent urination. It prevents water from being properly reabsorbed in the intestines, which causes bloating and changes poop’s odor.

Dietary intake

Along with alcohol, certain types of foods can lead to smellier-than-normal bowel movements. Foods that are high in sulfate, for example, will cause poop to have a more sulfur-like smell.

These foods include red meat; legumes; garlic; and vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and broccoli. If you’ve been eating these foods, you may have noticed a change in your bowel habits and the smell of your stool. This is to be expected and probably not anything to worry about.

Medication side effects

Certain medications can affect your gastrointestinal tract, which causes changes to the smell of your poop. Antibiotics, for instance, affect bacteria that live in the intestines. Antibiotics will kill some naturally occurring bacteria, while other types aren’t affected. When this balance is altered, the smell of poop can also change. It will smell like sulfur if bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide gas are favored.

Over-the-counter vitamins can have side effects if taken improperly. Some vitamins are known to cause GI upset and diarrhea, which can alter the smell of poop.

Some over-the-counter supplements are known to be rich in sulfates. Two of these are glucosamine and chondroitin, which many people take for joint health. The sulfates in these supplements can contribute to smellier poop.

Gastrointestinal infection

Infections of the GI tract can alter the smell of poop – sometimes quite significantly. Two infections that are known for foul-smelling poop include giardiasis and rotavirus.

Giardiasis is caused by a parasitic infection of the GI tract. It commonly affects those who travel to (or live in) developing countries or places with poor sanitation. Lack of handwashing after pooping is also a risk factor for infection.

Rotavirus commonly affects children and produces foul-smelling, sulfuric poop. It is caused by a virus that infects the GI tract. It is a common cause of diarrhea among children younger than five, but can also infect adults.

Read our guides on different types of stool, stool colors, and healthy vs. unhealthy stool for more.

Treatment options for poop that smells like sulfur

Treatment of sulfur-smelling stool is dependent on the cause and is frequently simple.

At-home remedies

If your sulfur-smelling poop is due to medication side effects, probiotics may help. Probiotics contain organisms that help improve gut health. These can prevent harmful bacteria from overgrowing. They can also replenish intestinal bacteria that have been eliminated by taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics

If your healthcare team suspects an infection is at the root of your poop smelling like sulfur, they may prescribe antibiotics.

Please take them for the length of time your doctor recommends – don’t stop taking them because you feel better. If you quit taking the medications early, the resistant bacteria can grow and cause your symptoms to return.

Dietary modification

If you are eating or drinking any foods or beverages mentioned earlier, these may be affecting the smell of your poop. Try reducing or even eliminating these from your diet and see if you notice any changes. You may be able to try them again in smaller amounts in the future.

When you should see a doctor about poop that smells like sulfur

In most cases, poop that smells like sulfur is benign and will go away on its own. But if the foul smell doesn’t get better after 48 hours, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• You have abdominal pain, cramping, or diarrhea;
• You are losing weight without trying;
• You’re experiencing a fever or chills;
• Your sulfur-smelling poop doesn’t improve in 48 hours.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are passing blood in your stools;
• You have signs of dehydration, including dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, or not urinating for at least six hours.

Questions to ask your doctor about poop that smells like sulfur

• What do you think is causing my poop to smell like sulfur?
• How long do you expect this to last?
• Are other tests needed?
• Is there anything I can do at home?

Frequently asked questions: poop that smells like sulfur

If your poop smells like sulfur, it’s normal to have questions. While you may find it embarrassing to discuss, try to move past that and talk to your doctor. Healthcare professionals are there to help you feel better and they understand your reservations.

What if your poop smells like sulfur while you’re pregnant?

If your poop smells like sulfur while you are pregnant, please call your doctor.

Is poop that smells like sulfur a sign or symptom of COVID?

COVID can infect the GI tract and cause changes to the smell of poop, so it is possible. Call your doctor if you are concerned you have COVID.

Why would your poop smell like sulfur after drinking alcohol?

Alcohol has high concentrations of sulfates and sulfites, and both are processed into hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas lends a sulfur quality to the smell of our poop. Further, alcohol causes changes in how stool moves through your GI tract, which can alter the smell.

Final thoughts

When your poop has the rotten eggs smell of sulfur, it can be upsetting – but it’s not normally a sign of a serious problem. Most cases last less than 48 hours. If the smell continues to linger, lasting more than 48 hours, it’s best to get an appointment with your doctor.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Pallabi Sanyal-Dey, MD.

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