Smartphone Use in the Bathroom Linked to Increased Risk of Hemorrhoids
New findings indicate that using a smartphone while in the bathroom can significantly raise the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids by nearly 50%. Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston reported this in a study published in PLOS One.
This study analyzed the behavior of 125 adults who were undergoing colonoscopies. Notably, around 66% of the participants acknowledged using their cell phones while on the toilet.
Those who admitted to bringing their phones into the bathroom were found to have a 46% increased chance of experiencing hemorrhoids compared to their counterparts who did not, regardless of various factors like age, body weight, gender, or fiber consumption. Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectal area, can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding; they are often related to straining during bowel movements or prolonged sitting on the toilet.
Interestingly, about 37% of phone users spent over five minutes seated, while only 7% of those who didn’t use their phones took such a long time. The trend was particularly common among adults in their 40s and 50s compared to those over 60. Most respondents reported using their phones for checking news, social media, or texting and emailing.
Dr. Chesan Ramprasad, a gastroenterologist as well as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, noted that even seemingly harmless activities like reading emails or playing games can increase the duration of sitting, thereby raising the risk.
The study controlled for other variables like stress levels, fiber intake, and exercise habits but still found a stark correlation. The researchers suggested that the nature of how we engage with our devices may lead to prolonged periods of sitting, which does not benefit our rectal and pelvic health.
While some tools, like toilet stools that promote a more natural posture, could alleviate tension, they may not negate the risks associated with excessive sitting. Ramprasad mentioned that, even with aids, lingering in the bathroom while engrossed in a phone could still put unnecessary pressure on the veins.
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, reportedly sending nearly 4 million people to medical facilities each year in the U.S. The researchers stressed the need for more extensive studies to determine causation and preventive measures. Although younger people tend to use their phones more frequently, it remains unclear if this directly correlates with the higher rates of hemorrhoids among them.
In the interim, Ramprasad offered practical advice: keep the bathroom routine straightforward. “Get up and move on,” he advised. “Don’t turn the bathroom into a scrolling break.”
