The Washington Post

Do Men or Women Have Worse-Smelling Farts?

A small laboratory study settled the long‑running joke about whether men or women produce worse‑smelling flatulence. Researchers recruited sixteen volunteers, fed them pinto beans and an artificial sweetener, then collected their gas through a sealed rectal tube attached to an impermeable bag. Two blind judges sniffed the bags and rated odor on a 0‑to‑8 scale. The data showed women’s gas contained significantly higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide—the compound responsible for the characteristic rotten‑egg smell—resulting in higher odor intensity scores. Men, however, expelled a larger total volume of gas per episode, which meant the absolute amount of sulfur released was roughly equal between the sexes. The experiment’s quirky setup—rectal tubes, gas‑tight bags, and judges literally smelling the samples—underscores its scientific rigor despite the humorous premise. The researcher also referenced a forthcoming book, *You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong*, promising readers practical advice on managing gas without invasive methods. Beyond the laughs, the findings challenge gender stereotypes about bodily functions and suggest that both partners contribute equally to household odor exposure. For clinicians and dietitians, the study highlights hydrogen sulfide as a key target for dietary interventions aimed at reducing offensive flatulence.