What to Do If Your Hemorrhoids Smell

Medically reviewed by Yosef Nasseri, MD, FACS, FASCRS, colorectal surgeon at Surgery Group LA · Reviewed October 14, 2026

Hemorrhoids themselves don't usually have a smell. When there is an odor, it most often comes from mucus or small amounts of stool that leak past swollen or prolapsed hemorrhoids, or from skin that is hard to keep clean because the area is sore. Less often, a bad smell can signal an infection or abscess, which needs prompt medical care.

Why hemorrhoids can be linked to a smell

• Mucus discharge. Internal hemorrhoids that bulge out through the anus (prolapse) can release mucus. The moisture can irritate the skin and cause odor.
• Minor leakage of stool. Large or prolapsed hemorrhoids can keep the anus from sealing completely, so traces of stool or gas escape.
• Difficulty cleaning. Pain and swelling can make gentle, thorough cleaning after bowel movements hard, and residue causes odor and itching.
• Infection (uncommon). Hemorrhoids rarely become infected. A foul smell together with increasing pain, swelling, pus or fever can point to an infection or a perianal abscess, which needs to be seen quickly.

Other conditions that can cause an anal odor

An odor isn't always from hemorrhoids. Anal fistulas can drain pus or fluid. Perianal abscesses, skin conditions, and fecal incontinence from other causes can also be responsible. A colorectal surgeon can tell these apart with a brief exam.

What you can do at home

• Keep the area clean and dry. Rinse with plain warm water or use unscented wipes after bowel movements, and pat dry. Avoid scented soaps and harsh rubbing.
• Take sitz baths. Soak in a few inches of warm water for 10–20 minutes, several times a day, especially after bowel movements (ASCRS).
• Soften your stools. Eat more fiber (about 25–35 grams a day, or a fiber supplement), drink plenty of water, and don't strain or sit on the toilet for long (NIDDK; ASCRS).
• Use over-the-counter products briefly. Creams or suppositories can ease mild symptoms. NIDDK suggests using them for about a week unless a doctor advises otherwise (NIDDK).
• Wear breathable cotton underwear. Change it if it becomes damp.

When to see a colorectal surgeon

Make an appointment if:

• the odor or discharge continues after about a week of home care (NIDDK);
• you have any rectal bleeding, especially if it's new, heavy, or your stool is black or maroon;
• hemorrhoids stay outside the anus or keep prolapsing;
• you notice leakage of stool or mucus you can't control.

Get urgent care for severe anal pain with rectal bleeding, fever, or pus, or for signs of a spreading infection (NIDDK).

How we treat hemorrhoids that cause odor or leakage

The goal is to treat the hemorrhoids that are causing mucus or leakage, not just the smell. Depending on the type and size, options include:

• Office treatments such as rubber band ligation, which cuts off the hemorrhoid's blood supply so it shrinks and falls off, usually healing within one to two weeks (ASCRS).
• THD (transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization), a minimally invasive option for some internal hemorrhoids.
• Hemorrhoidectomy for large, recurrent or combined internal and external hemorrhoids, when other treatments haven't worked (ASCRS).

Learn more about hemorrhoid treatment at Surgery Group LA.

Schedule an evaluation

Our board-certified colorectal surgeons see patients at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers, 8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles. Call (310) 861-7493 or request an appointment.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding or fever, seek care right away.