Examining Toilet Time and Hemorrhoid Risks

There’s something special about finally getting some solitude in the bathroom, right? Closing the door and, if you’re lucky, locking it can feel like a mini-vacation from family life, even if just for a few minutes. For many, the toilet has become a little haven for catching up on light reading—or for busy parents, a rare moment of “me time.” But, well, as more folks trade physical books for their smartphones, the much-needed “toilet time” may be turning into a health concern.

Interestingly, a new study in PLOS One reveals a link between prolonged toilet sitting—especially with a phone in hand—and an uptick in hemorrhoids. Yes, you read that right. People are experiencing more discomfort when they scroll through their phones while perched on the porcelain throne.

Hemorrhoids, those pesky swollen veins around the rectum and anus, can lead to itchiness, pain, and even bleeding. This latest research provides solid backing to a common suspicion: the longer we linger in the bathroom with our gadgets, the more we seem to lose track of time—and, evidently, our health. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, the senior author of the study and a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, pointed out that this isn’t just coincidental. The tendency to scroll endlessly has tangible effects on well-being.

Phrasing it plainly, she stated, “The entire business model of these social media apps is to distract us, make us lose track of time, and keep us addicted to the algorithm.” It certainly seems like we are beginning to understand the broader impacts of our smartphone habits.

The study involved 125 adults who were part of a screening colonoscopy. They completed surveys about their bathroom habits—namely, how often they used their phones while sitting there. Questions on straining, fiber intake, and exercise routines were also included, all of which play into hemorrhoid risk. The presence of hemorrhoids was confirmed through endoscopy.

Surprisingly, around 66% of those surveyed admitted to using their smartphones on the toilet. Those individuals typically spent considerably longer in there compared to those who left their phones outside. About 54% read news, while nearly 44% scrolled through social media during their visits.

So, how does all that mindless scrolling impact the risk of developing hemorrhoids? Well, researchers established that regular phone use in the bathroom was linked to a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids. Furthermore, about 37% of those smartphone users reported spending over five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7% of users without phones.

The nature of sitting on a toilet, as it turns out, plays a significant role as well. While hemorrhoids can be caused by prolonged sitting, the problem escalates when one is seated for too long on a toilet. The seat compresses the rectal area, keeping the body at a lower angle than a chair would, and this additional pressure can contribute to blood pooling in the rectum.

Dr. Pasricha elaborates, “When you’re sitting on an open toilet bowl, you have no pelvic floor support.” Plus, adopting poor posture—such as hunching over your smartphone—doesn’t help matters. Dr. Hima Ghanta, a colorectal surgeon not affiliated with the study, pointed out that this hunching is counterproductive for the body, as the rectum and anus are designed to function best while in a squatted position.

Dr. Ghanta added that people of earlier generations who had to squat reported fewer issues, which raises questions about how our modern habits exacerbate hemorrhoid issues today.

Now, regarding constipation: the study hints that it’s more about the time spent sitting than any additional straining. Interestingly, smartphone users weren’t more likely to be constipated than their non-smartphone counterparts, suggesting that passive engagement, like scrolling, is what might cause those hemorrhoids to swell.

While the study focused on adults aged 45 and up, Dr. Pasricha believes the implications extend to younger people, who are often glued to their phones. It certainly seems likely there’s an even greater impact on younger generations who increasingly lounge on their devices.

Dr. Sandhya Shukla, another gastroenterologist, is already seeing younger patients with hemorrhoid issues. It’s a reminder that while factors like low fiber and obesity also contribute, that time spent aimlessly scrolling on the toilet no doubt plays a part.

The takeaway? It might be best to leave the phone behind when you head to the bathroom. If you must bring it, experts recommend shortening your sitting time. Historically, gastroenterologists have suggested no more than 10 minutes on the toilet, with three to five minutes being ideal.

Dr. Shukla mentioned that while a general rule is three minutes per bowel movement, individual needs can vary. You might find setting a timer useful if you’re prone to lingering. Dr. Pasricha recommends checking in with yourself after a couple of social media videos; if nothing’s happening, it’s probably better to get up and try again later instead of waiting it out.

As Dr. Ghanta wittily put it, life has its moments to slow down—just maybe not when you’re on the toilet.