Doctors Warn: Taking Phones to the Toilet May Increase Haemorrhoid Risk
Using a smartphone in the bathroom may feel like a harmless habit, but doctors are increasingly warning that it could pose serious risks to long-term rectal health. Medical experts say prolonged toilet sitting caused by phone use significantly increases the risk of developing haemorrhoids, primarily due to excess pressure on sensitive tissues.
Health professionals are now advising people to keep bathroom visits brief and distraction-free to avoid preventable complications.
Context: How Bathrooms Became Scrolling Zones
What was once a quick, functional activity has quietly turned into a scrolling session for many people. Social media feeds, news updates and messaging apps often follow users into the bathroom, stretching toilet visits far beyond what the body naturally requires.
Doctors stress that the concern is not just hygiene, but how long people remain seated and the physical strain created during extended toilet visits.
Expert View: Why Phones Change Toilet Habits
Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, who regularly shares evidence-based health advice on Instagram, recently explained why phone use in the bathroom is problematic.
According to Dr Sethi, attention-holding apps cause people to lose track of time, leading to longer sitting periods, reduced pelvic support and increased pressure on rectal blood vessels — a combination that raises haemorrhoid risk.
Phone Use Linked to Higher Haemorrhoid Risk
Medical studies indicate that individuals who use phones on the toilet are significantly more likely to develop haemorrhoids than those who do not. This association remains even after adjusting for factors such as diet, age, body weight, physical activity and straining.
Experts note that the duration of sitting, rather than the bowel movement itself, is the key contributor.
Prolonged Sitting Increases Pressure on Sensitive Tissue
Spending more than five minutes on the toilet has been shown to increase pressure on rectal blood vessels. In some cases, extended sitting may raise haemorrhoid risk even more than straining.
The longer the body remains in this position, the greater the strain placed on surrounding tissues.
Toilet Seats Offer Poor Pelvic Support
Unlike chairs or sofas, toilet seats provide minimal pelvic floor support. Sitting for extended periods in this posture places downward pressure on haemorrhoidal tissue, making prolonged toilet visits particularly harmful.
When phone use extends these visits, the strain increases without users realising it.
Why Apps Make the Problem Worse
Social media and news apps are specifically designed to hold attention and encourage continuous engagement. Features such as endless scrolling and autoplay make it easy to lose track of time.
In the bathroom, this design turns distraction into a physical health issue.
A Widespread but Often Ignored Problem
Haemorrhoids are extremely common, affecting around half of adults at some point in their lives. They account for millions of medical visits annually and place a substantial burden on healthcare systems.
Doctors say everyday habits — including how long someone sits on the toilet — play a major role in this widespread condition.
Simple Steps to Reduce Risk
Health experts recommend limiting toilet visits to under five minutes. Some people use a short-timer rule, while others prefer to leave their phone outside the bathroom entirely.
Shorter visits reduce pressure on sensitive tissues and support long-term rectal and pelvic health.
Conclusion
Taking a phone to the toilet may seem harmless, but over time, it can quietly increase haemorrhoid risk by encouraging prolonged sitting and unnecessary strain. Doctors say keeping bathroom visits brief and distraction-free is a small lifestyle change that can prevent a common and uncomfortable health issue.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Modern habits often reshape daily routines in subtle ways. The growing link between phone use and haemorrhoid risk is a reminder that constant digital engagement can affect physical health in unexpected places. Sometimes, protecting long-term well-being starts with putting the phone down — even for a few minutes.
Disclaimer: This content is intended purely for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional or scientific advice. Always seek support from certified professionals for personalised recommendations.