A recent study has revealed a surprising link between smartphone use on the toilet and an increased risk of hemorrhoids, especially among younger people. The research published in PLOS One highlights how prolonged sitting, combined with poor posture while scrolling through your phone, can exacerbate the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The Impact of Smartphone Use in the Bathroom

Doctors are seeing a rise in hemorrhoid cases, especially among younger patients, and the habit of spending long periods on the toilet with a phone might be a contributing factor. The study, conducted with 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy screening, found that 66% of participants reported using their smartphones while on the toilet. These individuals spent significantly more time in the bathroom compared to those who kept their phones outside.

How Smartphone Use Affects Hemorrhoid Risk

The study showed that using a smartphone on the toilet was associated with a 46% greater risk of developing hemorrhoids. Those who used their phones spent over five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7% of non-smartphone users. This extended sitting time, coupled with poor posture—such as hunching over a phone—puts increased pressure on the rectal area, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.

Why Does This Happen?

Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins in the rectum and anus, which can result in pain, discomfort, itching, and bleeding. The pressure from sitting on an open toilet seat without pelvic support is a key factor, as it compresses the rectal area. This, combined with the distraction of a smartphone, encourages people to stay seated for longer periods than necessary, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids.

Dr. Hima Ghanta, a colorectal surgeon, explained that the posture adopted while looking at a phone makes bowel movements less efficient. “People way back who had to squat did not tend to have as many issues, but because we changed the angle we’re evacuating and sitting longer, these are exacerbating factors for hemorrhoids,” she said.

What About Constipation?

Interestingly, the study found that smartphone users didn’t experience more constipation than non-users. The primary issue is the time spent sitting, not the strain during bowel movements. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, the study’s senior author, hypothesized that passive phone use causes the hemorrhoidal cushions to become engorged, ultimately leading to hemorrhoids.

A Rising Trend Among Younger Generations

While the study focused on adults aged 45 and older, experts say younger people—who are more likely to use their phones on the toilet—may face an even greater risk. Dr. Sandhya Shukla, a gastroenterologist, noted that she is seeing more young patients diagnosed with hemorrhoid issues. “Scrolling mindlessly on the toilet is one of the major contributors,” she said.

How to Reduce the Risk of Hemorrhoids

The simplest way to reduce the risk is to avoid bringing your phone to the bathroom. If you do, try limiting your toilet time. Experts suggest spending no more than 10 minutes on the toilet, with 3 to 5 minutes being ideal for a productive session. Setting a timer can help avoid mindless scrolling and encourage a more efficient trip to the bathroom.

Dr. Pasricha recommended checking in with yourself after a couple of TikTok videos to assess whether your bathroom session is productive. If not, it might be better to get up and try again later than to continue sitting.

Conclusion

While smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, using them on the toilet might be costing us more than just time. To prevent hemorrhoids and other health issues, it’s best to limit your time sitting on the toilet, adopt a proper posture, and avoid distractions like your phone. After all, slowing down on the toilet may be one thing that’s best left out of our hectic routines.