Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 7: A new US study warns that scrolling through your smartphone while on the toilet could raise the risk of developing haemorrhoids by up to 46%.

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are cushioned tissues and blood vessels near the anus that help maintain bowel continence. While everyone has them, they can become inflamed or symptomatic, causing pain, bleeding, or lumps either inside or outside the anus. Over half of adults experience symptomatic haemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

Why toilet time matters

The study explains that prolonged sitting on a toilet seat increases pressure on the pelvic floor, leading to blood pooling in the anal cushions and making haemorrhoids more likely. Unlike sitting on a chair or couch, a toilet seat provides little support for the pelvic floor.

Study findings

Researchers surveyed 125 adults aged 45 and above undergoing colonoscopy. Two-thirds reported using smartphones on the toilet, mostly reading news (54.3%) or browsing social media (44.4%).

• 37.3% of smartphone users spent over five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7% of non-users.
• After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, fibre intake, exercise, and straining, smartphone users had a 46% higher risk of haemorrhoids.

Interestingly, the study found no direct link between straining and haemorrhoids, highlighting that extended sitting time may pose a greater risk.

Previous research

A 2020 Turkish study linked more than five minutes on the toilet to higher haemorrhoid risk, while an Italian study noted longer toilet time worsened haemorrhoid severity.

Prevention tips

Experts recommend:

• Increase dietary fibre and water intake to ease bowel movements.
• Limit toilet sitting time and avoid distractions such as smartphones.
• Seek medical attention if you notice blood in stools, pain, or lumps around the anus.

In short, leaving your phone outside the bathroom isn’t just good for your focus—it may also protect your health.