text: black stool? i've had black stool for a few days now. it doesn't smell any worse than usual, but it is rather sticky and sinks. i haven't had any pain around the midsection for the last several days, but earlier today (give or take an hour), i started having some.  is this just because of diet or could i be bleeding internally?  ~~naomi bleeding in the upper part of the gut may cause passing of black,tarry and sticky stool.it may also have peculiar smell.pain may or may not be present. since you  have some pain now with passing of black stool without any chages in diet, there may be bleeding somewhere. you shouldc heck with your family doctor.