My wife is twenty-five and has had two children now. It's been about fifteen months since the last child and she still has hemorrhoids. She doesn't mind the hemorrhoids as much as the smell. We're pretty sure that it's the hemorrhoids that smell.
I guess the question is this: can hemorrhoids produce a foul odor? And if so, what causes it and what can be done to get rid of it?
Dear Hubby
Your wife has hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins in the ass -- not rosebuds, dear. They are gonna be somewhat stinky simply due to their location. Hemmies can actually keep the anus from closing completely which can allow some anal leakage; the can even just let the odor from the walls of the rectum seep out. There is shit in there on a regular basis you know, so it's gonna smell like shit.
Sitz baths might be beneficial to her. If not for the smell, they at least should be soothing to the 'roids and allow for some shrinkage. Witch-hazel ointments, medicated pads, Preparation-H cream and other over-the-counter medications can also be used to try to get rid of the hemorrhoids.
In the meantime, just simply wiping with a fresh-scented moist towelette and applying absorbent talcum powder or feminine deodorant spray might cut down the foulness.
Thanks for asking Motherload!
Motherload is a Certified Nurse Assistant as well as an IBS sufferer, which means she knows a lot about poop. Got a question for her? Ask it here. [1]