Study Reveals Phone Use on Toilet Increases Haemorrhoid Risk by 46%

A recent study has found that using smartphones while on the toilet may significantly increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids. Conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the research surveyed 125 colonoscopy patients, revealing that two-thirds admitted to using a smartphone on the toilet at least once, with most doing so weekly. The study highlighted a troubling statistic: smartphone users were found to have a 46% increased risk of suffering from haemorrhoids, a condition characterized by inflamed and swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus.

Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and co-author of the study, noted that the engaging nature of social media can lead individuals to spend excessive time on the toilet. She explained, “The next Reel, the next TikTok automatically starts playing,” which often results in prolonged sitting that exerts additional pressure on the rectal tissues.

Understanding the Health Risks

The findings indicate that smartphone users tend to spend more than five minutes in the bathroom, compared to those who do not use their phones. Dr. Pasricha emphasized that sitting for extended periods can harm the pelvic veins and muscles. “The toilet bowl is just this open hole, and there’s nothing holding you up. There’s no counter pressure,” she said. Over time, the connective tissue that supports rectal blood vessels can weaken, leading to bulging and engorgement.

While the study did not establish a direct link between smartphone use and constipation, experts like Dr. Eamonn Quigley, chairman of gastroenterology at Houston Methodist, suggest that poor posture from hunching over a phone could contribute to the condition. This posture alters the anorectal angle, making it more difficult for stool to pass.

Furthermore, prolonged toilet sitting may increase the risk of rectal prolapse, a rare condition where the rectum protrudes through the anus. Dr. Lynn O’Connor, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St Joseph Hospital, noted that straining during bowel movements could elevate this risk, particularly among women, as rectal prolapse affects about one in 400 individuals.

Hygiene Concerns and Recommendations

In addition to the physical health risks, bringing smartphones into the bathroom raises hygiene concerns. Experts warn that bacteria from faecal matter can transfer from hands to phones, especially if the toilet is flushed with the lid open. Dr. O’Connor pointed out that even after washing hands, touching a phone can reintroduce bacteria.

While it remains unclear how often this type of contamination leads to illness, Dr. Pasricha remarked, “It’s gross,” underscoring the importance of hygiene in bathroom habits.

Despite the findings, Dr. Pasricha cautioned against completely abandoning phone use in the bathroom, as it can provide relaxation. However, she advised maintaining proper posture by sitting upright and considering the use of a toilet stool, such as the “Squatty Potty,” to enhance bowel alignment.

Dr. Pasricha also introduced the “five-minute rule,” suggesting that individuals should limit their time on the toilet to five minutes. If one frequently exceeds this time without achieving a bowel movement, consulting a gastroenterologist may be advisable, as it could indicate issues such as hard stool or constipation.

In conclusion, while smartphones may offer entertainment during bathroom breaks, the associated health risks warrant careful consideration. As Dr. Pasricha humorously advised, “Pull your britches up, put the toilet seat down and finish your TikTok,” encouraging a balance between relaxation and health.