A new medical study has found that using smartphones while sitting on the toilet can sharply raise the risk of hemorrhoids.
The research shows that people who scroll through social media or read on their phones during bathroom visits tend to spend much longer seated, which puts extra pressure on the rectal area. Over time, this added strain can lead to swollen veins, discomfort, pain, and even bleeding.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and senior author of the study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, explained that the problem is linked to how easily phones make people lose track of time. “The longer you sit on the toilet, the worse it is for you,” she said, adding that social media apps are designed to keep users distracted and hooked—now influencing even their bathroom habits.
The study surveyed 125 adults who were undergoing colonoscopies and asked about their bathroom routines, smartphone habits, and lifestyle choices. Around 66 percent admitted to regularly using their phones while on the toilet. Those who did so spent far more time in the bathroom than those who left their devices outside.
Nearly 37 percent of phone users sat for more than five minutes at a time, compared to just 7 percent of non-users. On average, those using phones were 46 percent more likely to have hemorrhoids. Most said they scrolled through news or social media feeds while sitting.
Importantly, the study found that the problem wasn’t linked to constipation or straining. Instead, the main issue was prolonged sitting on an open toilet seat, which puts unnatural pressure on the rectum and allows blood to pool in the veins.
Doctors also pointed out that posture plays a role. Dr. Hima Ghanta, a colorectal surgeon in New Jersey, noted that people often hunch forward when looking at their phones, which makes bowel movements less smooth. She explained that squatting, which was more common in earlier times, is a healthier position. Dr. Sandhya Shukla, a gastroenterologist also based in New Jersey, added that she is seeing more young patients develop hemorrhoids. While poor diet and lifestyle remain key factors, she warned that “toilet scrolling” is making the problem worse.
Experts agree that the best way to reduce the risk is to avoid bringing phones into the bathroom altogether. If that’s not possible, they advise limiting toilet time to no more than 10 minutes, ideally closer to three to five minutes. Setting a timer or checking in with yourself after a couple of videos can also help. If nothing happens, it’s better to step away and return later instead of sitting and waiting.
As Dr. Ghanta put it, “There are many things in life we should slow down for, but toilet time is not one of them.”
Good, as I took it as a lesson, although it’s also back in my instinct. But after clarifying the list of symptoms, now let me review this time wasting and put this time in other healthy activities.
Same old claims and 0 proof . Thanks sher .
But fun fact , such studies are untrue. They are not peer reviewed or actually proven.
Anyone can conduct a study and publish it on social media . Nothing new