Unews World
If your bathroom break becomes a full-time scrolling session, then you could also be risking your long term health. A study conducted by Boston researchers has linked this seemingly “harmless” habit to a 46% higher risk of a painful condition. Research conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) found that adults who bring smartphones into the bathroom and use them while sitting on the toilet are about 46% more likely to have hemorrhoids than people who don’t use phones on the loo.
In the study, researchers observed a striking pattern in smartphone habits and toilet time. Among 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy, 66% admitted to using their phones while on the toilet. What stood out was the difference in duration, over one-third (37.3%) of phone users spent more than five minutes seated, compared to just 7.1% of those who left their phones outside. The researchers note that this extended sitting time, driven by distraction from reading news, scrolling social media, or messaging, increases pressure on the rectal veins. Over time, this added strain can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, explaining the 46% higher risk observed in habitual bathroom phone users.
What is hemorrhoids and how serious is it
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen, inflamed veins in the lower rectum or anus, much like varicose veins that appear in the legs. They are parts of the normal anatomy but become a problem when they enlarge, swell, or develop symptoms. As per NIH, hemorrhoids are generally common and for most people not life-threatening, but they can be quite uncomfortable, occasionally complicated, and impact quality of life.
More scrolling, more sitting, more strain
The biological mechanism behind “scrolling” and the occurrence of this condition is much of a cause of the prolonged sitting. Studies suggest prolonged sitting on the toilet increases pressure in the rectal and anal veins, which can lead to swelling and irritation over time. The posture itself; with the hips flexed and downward pressure on the pelvic floor, slows blood flow and causes venous pooling. The extra minutes of scrolling amplifies the effects by making the individual seated longer than necessary, which creates a setting for rectal pressure to build.
Scrolling may not just cause strain
Studies have shown the extent of the problem is not limited to physical strain, but the habit of bringing smart phones to toilets can be harboring something far more unpleasant, which is fecal bacteria. A 2022 study-review published in NIH reported that up to 92% of smartphones carried by healthcare workers and the public contained bacterial contamination, often including E. coli and other fecal pathogens. The findings suggest this repeated exposure can raise the risk of gastrointestinal infections and skin breakouts, particularly when phones are handled during meals or touched to the face.
How much sitting in the toilet is normal and harmless?
As per experts, the ideal bowel movement should take just a couple of minutes and not more than 10 minutes. Adding to it, the Boston study also found that smartphone users spent considerably more time on the toilet compared to non-smartphone users. This suggests how smartphones contribute to prolonged sitting, distraction, and ultimately, a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids over time.
Tips to spend less time sitting in the toilet
- Keep bathroom sessions under 5 minutes once stool passing is done.
- Make the bathroom a phone-free zone. Reducing distraction can shorten sitting time.
- Don’t delay the urge to use the bathroom. Holding stool for too long can harden it and lead to constipation, and eventually more straining.
- Consume fiber to keep stool soft and easy to pass. Also drink enough water.
- Even light physical activity such as walking helps improve bowel motility.
