Research Reveals Using Your Phone in the Toilet Increases the Risk of Hemorrhoids

Many people often use their phones while defecating. Whether reading the news, browsing social media, or simply playing games, this activity has become a silent routine for many. 

However, a recent study warns that this habit can be dangerous to health. A recent study published in the journal PLOS One revealed that using a smartphone while sitting on the toilet can increase the risk of hemorrhoids by up to 46 percent. 

The reason is simple: cell phones make people sit longer on the toilet, and this position puts excess pressure on the blood vessels in the anus and rectum.

Latest research findings. 

The study was conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, on 125 patients undergoing colonoscopy, a medical procedure to examine the condition of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Participants were asked to answer a survey about their cell phone habits in the toilet, and then doctors assessed the condition of their blood vessels for hemorrhoids.

The results showed that 66 percent of respondents admitted to regularly taking their phones to the toilet. Most (54 percent) read the news, while 44 percent preferred to browse social media. 

Of that group, more than a third (37.3 percent) spent more than 5 minutes sitting on the toilet at a time. In contrast, only 7.1 percent of non-mobile phone users said that long. 

Even after researchers adjusted for factors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), exercise activity, and fiber intake, the results remained the same: using a cell phone in the restroom was associated with a 46 percent higher risk of developing hemorrhoids. 

Interestingly, according to research results, men are recorded as sitting for longer periods (six minutes or more) than women.

This study also showed that those who use their phones in the restroom tend to be less active, indicating a more sedentary lifestyle. This further increases the risk of digestive problems.

Sitting too long while defecating can be a problem

Hemorrhoids, or more commonly known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. This condition can cause itching, pain, and even bleeding during bowel movements. Risk factors typically include constipation, excessive straining, or prolonged sitting.

According to Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and senior author of the study, the key is the duration of sitting.

"The risk is greater when sitting for a long time on an open toilet. The toilet seat puts extra pressure on the rectal area, making it easier for blood to collect there," said Pasricha.

Although this study only involved adults aged 45 and above, Pasricha believes the results could also apply to younger generations, precisely because they are the ones who most often carry their cell phones everywhere.

Furthermore, the posture of looking down at a phone screen is also thought to worsen the condition. Dr. Hima Ghanta, a colorectal surgeon at Holy Name Medical Center, adds that sitting with a hunched back is not an ideal position for defecation. 

"Those who used to squat and defecate rarely experience this problem (hemorrhoids), because the angle of the rectum is more open and the process is smoother," he explained. 

Doctors agree that the ideal time for a bowel movement is 3-5 minutes, with a maximum of 10 minutes. Any longer than that increases the risk.

The safest way is to avoid taking your phone with you while defecating. Even if it's unavoidable, try to avoid sitting for long periods. Besides medical risks, there are hygiene factors that need to be considered.

Other research shows that dirt particles can adhere to phones, either from hand contact or from splashes of toilet water when flushed. As a result, harmful bacteria can transfer back to users' hands even after washing. 

In other words, bringing your cell phone to the bathroom not only risks causing hemorrhoids, but can also be a gateway for the spread of bacteria

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