A new study has found that using smartphones in the bathroom could raise the risk of developing hemorrhoids. The research, published in PLOS One, shows that people who scroll on their phones while sitting on the toilet tend to spend more time there than those who don’t, and this extra time may be harmful.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal or rectal area. They can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort. Doctors have long suspected that prolonged toilet sitting increases the risk, but this study provides clear evidence that phone use plays a role.
The study surveyed 125 adults who were undergoing routine colon screenings.
Participants answered questions about their bathroom habits, diet, and exercise. Endoscopies were then used to confirm whether they had hemorrhoids.
Results showed that about two-thirds of participants used their phones while on the toilet. These people were 46% more likely to have hemorrhoids compared to non-users. Time spent on the toilet was also much higher: 37% of phone users sat for more than five minutes, compared with only 7% of non-users. Most participants reported using their phones to read news or scroll through social media.
Experts explain that sitting too long on a toilet seat places pressure on the rectal area. Unlike sitting on a chair, the position provides no pelvic support, which allows blood to pool and veins to swell. Looking down at a screen can also lead to poor posture, which can make bowel movements less smooth.
The study suggests that the problem is not straining or constipation, but rather the extra minutes spent distracted by smartphones. Younger people, who are more likely to carry phones into the bathroom, may be at greater risk over time.
Doctors recommend limiting toilet time to three to five minutes and avoiding the use of phones in the bathroom. If a bowel movement doesn’t happen quickly, it’s healthier to get up and try again later.
Every year, haemorrhoids affect millions and cost hundreds of millions in healthcare. Researchers believe that small lifestyle changes, such as leaving phones outside the bathroom, could help reduce the number of cases in the future.
