My Bum Always Smell Like Poo (What To Do?)

Dealing with persistent odor from the anus even after thorough washing can be concerning and embarrassing. If you find yourself asking, “Why does my anus smell even after washing?” you’re not alone. This article aims to delve into the possible causes of persistent odor and provide practical solutions to help you overcome this issue, ensuring you feel fresh and confident.

You clean, you wipe, you shower, and yet your bum still smells likes poop.

You may ask, is it normal for your bum to smell this way? No, it’s not, but unfortunately, it is common enough for a lot of people to be suffering from it and actively looking for solutions to it, including you.

What Causes My Bum to Smell Like Poo?

Here are a few reasons why My Bum Always Smells Like Poo, welcome! You may learn everything you need to know about the causes, remedies, and prevention of your stinky bum right here. We are here to give you tips on how to take care of your bum because we recognize how unpleasant and uncomfortable this issue can be. You can control the scent by using the most recent research, advice, and techniques that we will give you. Poor hygiene is the most frequent cause of smelly buttocks. Natural skin-occurring bacteria can get stuck in sweat- and bacterium-filled fissures, giving off an unpleasant odor. Additionally, excessive perspiration might increase the likelihood of bacterial growth and the development of an unpleasant odor.

 

The way you eat can also affect how your bum smells because some meals might make you sweat more or have more body odor. Last but not least, certain medical diseases like diabetes or kidney failure can cause the body to exude a particular fragrance that is frequently unpleasant.

Common Causes of Persistent Anus Odor

Incomplete Cleansing

One of the primary reasons for persistent anus odor is incomplete cleansing. Inadequate cleaning after a bowel movement can lead to residual fecal matter in the anal area, causing an unpleasant smell.

Sweat and Bacteria

The anal region is prone to sweat and moisture, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. The combination of sweat and bacteria can contribute to a lingering odor.

Diet and Hydration

Diet plays a crucial role in body odor, including that from the anus. Certain foods, such as those rich in sulfur or spices, can lead to stronger-smelling stool and contribute to persistent odor. Additionally, insufficient hydration can lead to concentrated and pungent-smelling urine and stool.

Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions, such as fungal infections or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), can lead to persistent odor. These conditions create an environment where bacteria thrive, resulting in ongoing unpleasant smells.

Effective Solutions to Combat Persistent Odor

Thorough Cleansing

Ensure thorough cleaning after every bowel movement. Use mild, fragrance-free soap and water to cleanse the anal area. Consider using a bidet or gentle cleansing wipes for added cleanliness.

Stay Dry

Keep the anal area dry to discourage bacterial growth. Gently pat the area with a clean towel after washing and avoid tight or non-breathable clothing.

Hydrate and Modify Diet

Staying well-hydrated can help dilute urine and stool, reducing their concentration and odor. Additionally, consider adjusting your diet to minimize odor-causing foods and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Use Antiperspirant or Powder

Consider using antiperspirant or talcum-free powder to keep the area dry and prevent excessive sweating. Opt for products that are gentle and safe for sensitive skin.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

If persistent odor is accompanied by discomfort, itching, or unusual discharge, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify and address underlying causes such as infections or skin conditions.

My Bum Always Smells of Poo: What Should I Do?

This is so embarrassing. If you’re experiencing this, you should know that you’re not alone. Many other people experience this same problem. And yes, it isn’t normal.

It’s even more demeaning if you’re a totally hygienic person with good health. Don’t worry though. This article will help you through this. Just keep reading.

Here are the most common reasons why your butt smells even after washing:

• Not Wiping / Cleaning Properly
• Excessive Butt Sweat (“Swamp Ass”)
• Excessive Flatulence / IBS / Bad Diet
• Hemorrhoids
• Constipation
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Abscesses
• Muscle Problems

I will explain each of these in more detail below. My advice is to look through the titles, see which applies to you, and quickly look over them, as well as the recommended fixes.

Hopefully, this will help narrow down your specific cause and allow you to fix the problem.

Not Wiping / Cleaning Properly

For most people, this (along with IBS and a bad diet) is likely to be the biggest cause.

Basically, that bad smell coming from your butt is oftentimes simply the result of not wiping properly or using the wrong things to wipe or clean after taking a poop. 

Another reason for butt smell could be that there is still fecal matter (which isn’t always visible by the way) around the outside and just inside your anus area.

It is extremely difficult to wipe everything up using only dry tissue paper, which is why I am suggesting the following solutions below, to at least eliminate this as a possible cause of your smelly butt.

Use Wet Wipes

Instead of just using dry toilet paper, use wet wipes first and then use toilet paper after, particularly the unscented ones; the reason for this is that some scented wipes can cause irritation down there, which can make your butt smell even worse.

Imagine you got poop all over your arms, legs, or wherever. Would you feel clean if you just wipe it off with toilet paper? Of course not, right? You would probably want to wash it off with water and even use soap or alcohol to get rid of the smell and to make sure it’s clean.

But if you’re not a fan of washing your butt after pooping, then I would recommend at least use wet wipes. Most wipes are made of non-woven fabric similar to those used in dryer sheets, which are then saturated with a solution of water and gentle cleansing agents such as isopropyl alcohol. 

After pooping, use wet wipes first to properly clean your butt. Then, to make sure that it’s dry, use some normal toilet paper afterward. Make sure to wipe from front to back, moving fecal matter away from your front parts.

Get a Bidet

A better alternative to wet wipes is to just get a bidet. It is the cleanest, healthiest, and most hygienic way to clean your butt of any remaining fecal matter and any smelly bacteria. A gentle stream of water thoroughly rinses your butt area without causing irritation.

Even if you take a shower, your butt could still smell bad if you’re not cleaning it properly. Using a bidet will allow you to target the area around your anus so you can completely clean it out. Afterward, don’t forget to dry off by using toilet paper.

I recently discovered the Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment, which I think is a quick and affordable way to give your butt the clean it deserves. It easily attaches to any standard toilet in under 10 minutes so this is definitely a good option.

Consider Removing Butt Hair (If You’re Overly Hairy) 

We all know that hair tends to trap bacteria and odors. Since poop comes out of our butthole, then it is possible that some of the fecal matter gets stuck in our hair down there, especially if we’re not washing/cleaning properly, as I previously outlined above.

While butt hair may not necessarily be the cause of butt smell, it is certainly not helping it smell good either. For this reason, it may be good to consider removing it all, through waxing or just trimming, whatever you prefer.

If you plan on waxing, then I would personally recommend the VidaSleek Wax Kit for Men & Women. If you want more information about this topic, I tackle this in more detail in my other article. Feel free to check it out here.

Excessive Butt Sweat (“Swamp Ass”)

Swamp ass. Sweaty bum. Butt sweat. Whatever you want to call it. This happens to everyone. A hot summer day, an intense day at the gym, stress, or even something medical-related can cause your butt to sweat so much that you’ll feel like you’ve been sitting in a swamp.

Remember that sweat in itself is not supposed to smell bad. In fact, it should actually be odorless. It is when you mix it with bacteria that it starts to develop an odor, an unpleasant one at that.

The thing is, your bum is an absolute breeding ground for bacteria:

• It’s Dark
• Warm
• Moist

Plus, if you’re not cleaning your butt properly, chances are there will be some remains of fecal matter down there as well. Together, these three can lead to a very unpleasant odor in your butt area.

Wear Breathable and Non-Synthetic Underwear

Have you tried changing the types of clothing and underwear that you put on every day?

A lot of people aren’t aware of this, but this can have a big effect on how much moisture your bum produces, which in turn affects how easier it is for your butt to start smelling bad again, as I discussed above.

If you can reduce the amount of warmth and moisture in your butt area, you can eliminate more bacteria, and thus reduce unpleasant odors. Here’s how:

• Wear breathable underwear; something that is less restrictive, boxers are a good option, as are boxer shorts.
• Natural fabrics like cotton allow your skin to breathe and may be a good choice in terms of fabric type. By contrast, synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are especially non-breathable and could potentially amplify the smell coming out of your bum.

Use Body Powder for Your Butt

Body powders are extremely useful in mitigating and preventing sweat, bad body odors, as well as skin chafing and irritation. I personally use these mostly for my balls, but these can also easily be used for your bum.

I love the Chassis Premium Body Powder, which is talc-free and has a very light scent (mix of Old Spice + pumpkin). For women, I think the Fromonda (Cool Mint) Body Powder (also talc-free), is an excellent option.

There’s no shame in using a little powder down there as no one will be able to tell you’re using it but you, anyway. Plus, you will feel much cleaner and more comfortable since you’re producing less sweat.

 

Excessive Flatulence / IBS / Bad Diet 

This is right up there with improper wiping as a major cause of a bad-smelling bum.

Now, just because you don’t pass excessive gas, doesn’t mean you should just skip over this section. Read through and see if anything below applies to you.

I lumped all of these together because they more or less are all related.

Here’s why:

• Excessive farting; flatulence comes from hydrogen sulfide that is released from your gut due to the digestion process; if you are passing gas more than normal (nearly every hour), this could be a cause.
• Gluten sensitivity could also be a cause; this is where your stomach has a difficult time processing gluten; it simultaneously also produces a lot of gas.
• Lactose-intolerance; is more prevalent in certain ethnicities, such as those who can trace their ancestry to Africa, Southeast, and East Asia.
• Too much sugar in your diet; can affect the walls of your colon, restricting their ability to close and possibly making the area more “inducive” towards bacterial growth.

In order to eliminate one of these as the possible cause of your foul smell, here are some steps you can take:

• Reduce your sugar intake.
• Take a digestive enzyme (which you can find at a local store); these help your stomach and digestive system break down larger food particles.
• Take a probiotic; this will help you maintain a good balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.
• Eat slower; when you eat too fast you also swallow air, this, in turn, makes you pass more gas, which in turn leads to a smellier butt.

Hemorrhoids 

Chances are, if you had hemorrhoids, you would know but did you also know if you have a recurring problem with them, it could be the cause of the bad smell of your butt?

Hemorrhoids, for those that don’t know, are ruptured or strained blood vessels in and around your behind.

They typically occur when you are on the toilet and straining too much.

You would know you would have them as they are uncomfortable and often painful, especially when you pass another stool when you wipe, and sometimes even when you move.

If this is you, over-the-counter hemorrhoid medication can eliminate these.

Constipation 

Chances are, this probably won’t apply to you, but it still bears mentioning.

Constipation typically occurs when you don’t get enough fiber in your diet, which affects the regularity with which you take a poop.

The more poop that gets “blocked up” up there, means that this could result in a bad smell from your butt.

If this was a problem, you would know it.

You can fix this through OTC medication and proper dieting..

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Have you considered this?

Millions of people every year are unaware that they have STIs, and while just about everyone knows that STIs can affect the physical appearance of your private region, did you know that they can also affect your smell?

Here’s the lowdown on this:

• HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HPV not only can infect your private parts, it can also infect your butt; if this happens, it could be producing that nasty smell.
• If left untreated, it can go unnoticed, but could also be the cause.
• Take an STI test, make sure that you are all clear, and eliminate this from any possible causes.

Abscesses 

Here’s where things start to get more complicated, because these are not visible, and aren’t as easy to fix as something like hemorrhoids.

Now, personally, I wouldn’t consider something like this as a possible cause, unless I first went through and eliminated any of the above, easier to fix possible causes. 

An abscess is basically like a little pocket full of pus and body fluid, that collects and swells.

These can also occur in your bottom.

Here’s what happens:

• You unknowingly have an abscess around the anus or rectum area.
• Poop clogs the glands in and around the abscess.
• This then turns into an infection.
• The abscess’ mixture of pus, body fluid, and poop all mix to form a vile odor that comes out regardless of how many times you wash and scrub.

Unfortunately, the only real way to know if this could be causing your odor is through a check with a gastrointestinal doctor.

Muscle Problems 

Like an abscess, this can go unnoticed, though not to the same degree.

What could be happening is:

• The muscles around your butt do not work properly, are strained or injured in some way, and do not allow your behind to properly close.
• Because your butt is not fully closed, stool odors seep through much more easily.

As with abscesses, the best way to eliminate this as a cause would be to book an appointment with a doctor and have him or she take a look.

How Do I Stop My Bum From Smelling?

Now that you know everything about what may be causing your ass to smell of poo, you may want to get some overviews on different solutions.

1. Shower Twice Daily.

This is one of the best rituals you can give your body, even if you’re not experiencing this problem.

After taking your bath in the morning, your body secretes sweat throughout the day, especially if you found yourself in the sun for the greater part of the day. This can make your clothes and your body smell really bad.

So, taking another shower at night, and changing your cloth, are going to reduce bad odors before you go to sleep.

2. Regularly Use a Gentle Exfoliant.

This will increase cell turnover, dead cells chip away and new ones take over. Not only will this reduce any chance of your bottom smelling like poo, but it’ll also improve the skin’s radiance.

Your skin will look more glowing, fresh, and less prone to odors.

3. Use Body Scrub.

Like the exfoliant, the body scrub will help you slough off dead skin cells and debris buildup in the area. Making way for new skin to come out.

The debris in that area can prevent the growth of new skin cells, which can harbor the odor you’re experiencing. It’ll also create a good environment for a nice smell.

4. Wear Breathable Underwear.

This is one of the best ways of putting a stop to the smell.

The newer underwears are lighter and breathable, allowing plenty of air into the area and eliminating moisture. Keeping the area dry and free from moisture will definitely help a lot. In addition, make sure you change your underwear daily, or at most every two days.

5. Evaluate Your Hygiene Habits.

You want to make sure you’re cleaning yourself properly.

I’ll also recommend cleaning yourself with wipes and then using water every time you go to the restroom. This way, you don’t leave any chance for any debris/dirt to stay.

6. Use Body Lotions/Oils.

I’ve not personally used this, but a lot of people use them to augment the smell.

I wouldn’t consider this a solution since you’re just covering the smell and not really doing something to take it away. I believe in going straight to the root of the problem and removing it.

Which is what the above will do for you. But I’ll include this since a lot of other people use it, especially when the above doesn’t yet work for them.

In which case, seeing a doc will be more appropriate. 

I Have Smelly Butt – How Do I Solve It?

If you have a smelly bum, the best solution is to go in for a test. They’ve seen one before and will have a solution for it. But one thing you need to understand is that all of the above methods and tips are for you to try out.

Ultimately, you have to take good care of yourself. If you do, I believe you should be fine. Another thing to not forget is that it is your anus, where waste food passes through.

So, it’s not going to smell like roses. You should only worry if the smelly bum is excessive. In which case you should look at the suggestions above.

How to Keep Your Buttocks Smelling Good

It’s a simple one. You should try and do some of the following: start a nighttime shower routine.

That’s your biggest action against butt odor. Change your towel as often as possible.

I know this is an expensive venture. But if you really want to stop this embarrassing problem, you really have to try a few things until you arrive at the solution.

If this works for you, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind changing your towel every now and then. Take your time to wash properly after visiting the toilet.

It may look obvious, but you want to cover your bases.

If you’re not cleaning down there properly, it’ll smell. You can do what I suggested above, which is to combine toilet paper and water. I use only water.

But when I tried both, I immediately saw how purifying it is and why it’s more effective than just doing it with only water or wipes. 

So, try it and see if that’ll help. If you’re still experiencing the problem, as a temporary solution, use local creams or treatments to help control the foul odor. If all else fails, go in for a test to see if there is something specifically causing it. 

Other Questions…

My Pants Smells Like Poo

If your pants smell like poo or you notice a poop smell when you sit down, you have two options.

The first one, in that order, is to thoroughly clean it and deodorize it.

If that doesn’t work and the pants still smell like poo, you may examine the pant. If it’s the only one that’s smelling that way, then you should throw it away. It’s probably done it’s time.

I Bought New Pants And It Smells Like Shit

If your new jeans smell like poop, you need to return them. It can’t be your fault that it’s smelling that way. If you decide to salvage it, then use the idea/suggestion above. 

FAQs About Persistent Anus Odor

Why does my anus smell even after washing?

Persistent odor can be caused by incomplete cleansing, sweat and bacteria, diet, or underlying skin conditions.

Can diet contribute to persistent anus odor?

Yes, certain foods can lead to stronger-smelling stool, contributing to persistent odor. Adjusting your diet and staying hydrated can help mitigate this.

What can I do to stay dry and odor-free?

Thorough cleansing, staying dry, using antiperspirant or powder, and consulting a healthcare professional if needed are effective strategies to combat persistent odor.

How can I ensure proper hygiene?

Practicing thorough cleansing after each bowel movement, using gentle products, and maintaining a dry environment are essential for maintaining proper hygiene.

When should I seek medical advice?

If persistent odor is accompanied by discomfort, itching, or unusual discharge, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Summary

Hopefully, this article helped, or at least narrowed down some of the possible causes of that bad smell emanating from your butt.

To recap, here’s what you should do to identify why your but smells and the actions you can take to get rid of the bad smell permanently (hopefully):

• Wipe your butt properly using wet wipes. Better yet, get a bidet. 
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting underwear.
• Apply body powder or a body spray, if you haven’t already, to reduce butt sweat.
• Eliminate too much sugar from your diet, take a probiotic and digestive enzyme.
• Book an appointment with a doctor to ensure that the butt smell is not medical-related (i.e. constipation, hemorrhoids, or STDs).

 

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