Causes of Hemorrhoid Odor

What are the different causes of hemorrhoid odor?

1. Fecal Leakage
2. Dirty Anus
3. Hemorrhoid Infection

 

Hemorrhoids, otherwise known as piles, are swollen veins found inside the rectum or outside the anus. When an individual has this, they experience pain, itching, and bleeding in the anus or rectum.

When diagnosed with hemorrhoids, there are times when you notice a foul smell in the anus area. This may happen due to the effects of hemorrhoids on your body. This article aims to explain the causes of hemorrhoid odor, but first, it’s important to understand what cuased them. 

Hemorrhoids appear when too much pressure is put on the veins in the anus or rectum through straining.¹ This can happen during many kinds of activities aside from defecating. Any kind of strain that puts pressure on your lower extremities can cause the swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids. This can include the following:

• Weight gain from pregnancy can put more pressure on the pelvic floor
• Harding pushing moments for bowel movement when constipated
• Lifting heavy objects

When symptoms progress or worsen, there are times when you’ll notice foul smells. Continue reading to find out more!

 

 

Fecal Leakage

When hemorrhoids become large and inflamed, a mucus discharge often seeps through.² This discharge can be the reason for the foul smell.

The mucus discharge caused by hemorrhoids can come out by accident. If you fart or pass gas, this discharge may come out of your rectum. You may notice this when you wipe your anus and spot mucus on the toilet paper.

Other times, the foul smell can also be due to fecal leakage otherwise known as fecal incontinence. This is when a person cannot control their bowel movements.³

When you have hemorrhoids, fecal incontinence happens when hemorrhoid has become large and inflamed. Because of its size, the anus can’t close completely, causing fecal leakage.

 

 

Dirty Anus

When experiencing hemorrhoids, a person is usually never in a comfortable state especially when expressing their bowel movements. At times, it can even be painful.

During instances like this, it can be difficult for a person to clean around the anus after defecating. It can be because of the pain from protruding hemorrhoids. However, when you fail to clean your anus, there may be traces of feces left on the anus. This can transfer to clothes and cause a foul smell.

When pain becomes unbearable, be sure to see a doctor for proper treatment.

 

Hemorrhoid Infection

There are times when hemorrhoids can become infected. When this occurs, hemorrhoids can develop a pus-filled abscess to help fight the infection.⁴ This abscess can also be the cause of foul odors.

Infected hemorrhoids occur more with internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed. This does not happen all the time since there are different classifications of hemorrhoids.

 

Classification of Hemorrhoids²

• Grade 1: This is when hemorrhoids are slightly enlarged. They are not seen from outside the anus.
• Grade 2: These are larger hemorrhoids that can protrude from the anus during common physical activities. These can still go back inside the anus on their own.
• Grade 3: These are hemorrhoids that protrude while passing stool and other forms of physical activity. They can no longer go back inside the anus on their own, instead, you’ll need to push them back inside.
• Grade 4: Hemorrhoids that are found outside the anus. These can no longer go back inside the anus.

When an internal hemorrhoid bulges, it loses its blood supply. This is what causes the infection since there must be a steady and healthy flow of blood, even in the rectal area. Infection forms without the nutrients and oxygen received from the bloodstream. This usually occurs with grade 2 or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.⁴

There are rare instances when hemorrhoid infections can develop into a more serious condition called Fournier’s gangrene. This is when there is an acute necrotic infection found either in the scrotum, penis, or perineum. Hemorrhoids can be infected by this flesh-eating bacteria that is usually seen through scrotum pain and redness. 

Fournier’s gangrene is a rare condition, but it should still be something to watch out for, especially if you have hemorrhoids.⁴ Take note of the following symptoms as well when experiencing pain from the hemorrhoids:

• High fever
• Tiredness
• Moderate to severe swelling and pain in affected areas
• Redness or discoloration in affected areas
• Crackling sounds when the infection is touched
• A strong foul smell

Consult with your doctor if you feel any of these symptoms.

 

Key Takeaway

Hemorrhoids are bulging vessels in the rectum or anus that cause itchiness, pain, and sometimes, bleeding. At times, you’ll also notice a foul smell. There are many causes of hemorrhoid odor as explained in this article. When you experience this, it’s best to consult your doctor to give you the proper diagnosis and treatment.

There may be many home remedies for foul-smelling hemorrhoids, but it’s best to get to the root of the problem. If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids, you can try the MPFF: Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon® 1000). As an effective medicine for hemorrhoids, MPFF: Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon® 1000) is clinically proven to heal swollen veins.