In the digital age, smartphones have become like a "faithful companion" that's always carried everywhere, including to the bathroom. Many people take this for granted: sitting on the toilet while reading the news, replying to messages, or simply scrolling through social media. However, a recent study revealed that this habit can increase the risk of hemorrhoids by up to 46% .
This finding has made many people start to think again: is the convenience of “me time” in the toilet worth the lurking health risks?
The “Toilet Scrolling” Phenomenon
Taking your phone to the bathroom is not uncommon. In a study of 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy, 66% of respondents admitted to regularly using their phones while using the restroom . The most common activities were reading the news (54%) and browsing social media (44%).
The problem is, when people are engrossed in their phones, they tend to sit longer on the toilet . Data shows that 37% of cell phone users spend more than five minutes sitting on the toilet at a time , compared to only 7% of those who don't carry a phone.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. Everyone has this network of veins, which helps control bowel movements. However, when these veins become swollen or inflamed, symptoms such as:
- Pain or discomfort when sitting
- Itching around the anus
- Light bleeding during bowel movements
Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (outside the anus). This condition is common, with an estimated 75% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives.
How Can Cell Phones in the Toilet Trigger Hemorrhoids?
According to researchers, the main problem isn't the phone, but rather prolonged sitting on the toilet . When sitting on the toilet, the body's position places the pelvis and rectum at an angle, which puts extra pressure on the blood vessels around the anus.
Sitting for too long can cause blood to pool in these veins, leading to swelling. Furthermore, hunched posture while staring at a phone screen can worsen the position of the urinary tract, making bowel movements less frequent.
Key Findings of the Study
Some interesting points from this study:
- Mobile phone users in the toilet have a 46% higher risk of developing hemorrhoids than those who don't.
- Other risk factors such as age, low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, and straining habits were also taken into account, but the effect of cell phones remained significant.
- This habit is more often found in younger and less physically active people.
Other Risks of “Doomscrolling” on the Toilet
Besides hemorrhoids, sitting on the toilet for a long time while staring at a screen can also have other health impacts:
- Back and neck pain due to hunched posture.
- Eyes tired from staring at the screen for too long.
- Circulation problems in the legs if you sit too long without moving.
Tips to Reduce Risk
Experts suggest some simple steps to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids from this habit:
- Limit time on the toilet
Try to keep it to no more than 3–5 minutes per sitting. If it takes longer, there may be a digestive issue that needs to be checked. - Leave your phone outside the bathroom
This is the most effective way to avoid the temptation of scrolling. - Improve your diet
Consume high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to facilitate bowel movements. - Drink enough water
Dehydration can make stools hard and difficult to pass. - Regular exercise
Physical activity helps maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. - Use the right position
Slightly bending your knees or using a small footstool can help straighten the bowel movement, making bowel movements smoother.
Changing Habits, Maintaining Health
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist at Harvard Medical School who led the study, said we often don't realize how much time we spend on the toilet when we have our phones with us . Social media apps are designed to keep users engaged for longer, so we unknowingly sit in positions that put pressure on the anal veins.
The message is simple: “If you want to reduce your risk of hemorrhoids, leave your cell phone outside the bathroom.”
Conclusion
The habit of taking your phone into the bathroom may seem trivial, even enjoyable. However, recent research shows that this habit can have serious health consequences, particularly increasing the risk of hemorrhoids by nearly 50%.
By limiting time on the toilet, improving our diet, and avoiding scrolling during bowel movements, we can maintain digestive health and reduce the risk of these uncomfortable problems. Sometimes, maintaining good health starts with small habits, including bathroom habits.
