Using Smartphones in Toilet May Increase Hemorrhoid Risk

Are you one of those whose bathroom break sometimes last longer than it should, thanks to your phone? The toilet has long been a sanctuary to catch up on some light reading or a spot for some rare “me time".  But the amount of toilet time has become a more pressing medical issue as people shift from reading physical books and magazines to endlessly scrolling on their smartphones. 

There are consequences to sitting longer than we used to on the toilet. A new study has found that those who use their phones on the toilet face a 46% increased risk for hemorrhoids (BM: buasir) – swollen veins in the lower rectum, thought to be caused by too much pressure. This is because people lose track of time in the bathroom when they have their phones

Hemorrhoids are often associated with prolonged sitting; however, the risk is higher when sitting for too long on a toilet. The open toilet seat compresses the rectal area, keeping your bottom in a lower position than if you were sitting on a chair. Over time, the increased pressure from the toilet seat can cause blood to pool in the rectum. 

Along with spending more time sitting, using a smartphone on the toilet may increase the risk of hemorrhoids due to poor posture. People tend to hunch when looking down at their phones, which isn’t ideal for excretion because the rectum and anus curve from the colon.

So, how to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids?
The simplest answer is to avoid bringing your phone to the bathroom. If you do bring it, however, all the doctors recommend limiting your sitting time. Gastroenterologists previously advised people to spend no more than 10 minutes sitting on the toilet. Three to five minutes would be ideal. 

Sources: CNN Health, Science Alert