Phone use on toilet linked to 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids

Phone use on toilet may increase hemorrhoid risk by 46%, study finds

A new study published in PLoS One has found that people who use their smartphones while sitting on the toilet are 46% more likely to have hemorrhoids compared to those who do not. Researchers say the problem is not smartphones themselves, but the extra time spent sitting, which can restrict blood flow and compress the veins.

“This study is very timely, as cell phone use appears to be ubiquitous,” said Dr Brian C. Jacobson, MD, MPH, gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association. “Reading any material on the toilet was also highly associated with hemorrhoids, so the issue is not smartphones per se, but spending additional time on the toilet.”

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue, which helps sense bowel movements, but problems arise when these veins swell and become painful or start bleeding. Around 75% of people will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

Study details and key findings

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center surveyed 125 adults aged 45 and older who were undergoing colonoscopies.

• 66% of participants reported using their phones while on the toilet.
• Smartphone users were nearly seven years younger on average and less physically active than non-users.
• After adjusting for constipation, straining, BMI, and other risk factors, smartphone users were found to have a 46% higher chance of having hemorrhoids.
• Only 7.1% of non-users spent over five minutes on the toilet compared to 37.3% of phone users — highlighting that sitting time, not technology, may be the true culprit.

Related story: Do you spend too long on the toilet? What new survey reveals about gut health

Symptoms to watch for

Experts say you should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Blood in stool or on toilet paper
• Persistent pain during bowel movements
• Lumps or swelling near the anus

“Blood in the stool is something we never ignore in medicine,” said Dr Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH, gastroenterologist and senior author of the study. “It could be something more serious, such as anal fissures or colorectal cancer.”

How to prevent hemorrhoids

Doctors recommend the following steps to reduce your risk:

• Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft.
• Increase dietary fiber through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay active to promote healthy digestion.
• Limit toilet time — leave your phone, books, and magazines outside.
• Avoid straining when using the bathroom.

Takeaway

This study highlights the hidden risks of prolonged toilet sitting and reinforces the importance of healthy bowel habits. Cutting down on bathroom screen time could significantly reduce your chances of developing painful hemorrhoids.

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