Total Bummer!
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the rectum or anus, and they can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding—even if they sometimes resolve on their own.
This issue impacts nearly half of U.S. adults aged 50 and over, leading around 4 million people to seek medical help annually.
Recent research indicates that certain toilet habits may heighten the risk of hemorrhoids by 46%. So, if you’re glued to your phone while using the restroom, it might be time to reconsider that habit!
“We are still uncovering various factors,” noted Dr. Trisha Pasricha from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She emphasized that the way and where we use our devices can have unexpected effects.
In a study involving 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy, participants were asked about their lifestyle and bathroom behaviors. About 66% admitted to spending too much time on the toilet, with 37% reporting they often lingered for more than five minutes compared to only 7.1% of those who didn’t use their phones.
The researchers speculated that texting may inadvertently prolong time spent on the toilet, raising pressure in the anal area which can lead to swollen veins.
“This study reinforces the advice to keep smartphones out of the bathroom and limit your time there to just a few minutes,” Pasricha advised. “If it takes longer, reflect on why that is. Are you experiencing real difficulty or simply distracted?”
The findings were published recently in the journal PLOS ONE, and they clarified that toilet tension itself isn’t a direct risk factor for hemorrhoids—contradicting some previous studies.
Other factors that might contribute to hemorrhoids include constipation, heavy lifting, pregnancy, genetic predispositions, obesity, and the natural weakening of veins with age.
Researchers aim to conduct further studies to track patient experiences over time and to develop strategies to minimize the time spent on the toilet.
Various experts have recommended tips to combat this issue, such as adhering to the “10-15 rule.” Dr. David L. Schwartzbaum, a gastroenterologist from Long Island, also suggested limiting bowel movements to 10-15 minutes max. “If you need to escape from everything, the toilet can be an option,” he remarked.
