Using the phone while going to the toilet increases the risk of hemorrhoids by 46%

(Dan Tri) - New research once again confirms the harmful effects of sitting on the toilet for long periods of time with a mobile phone.

Many people have the habit of using their phones while going to the toilet, but this is a habit that is harmful to health (Illustration: Getty).

The lead author, also a gastroenterologist Trisha Satya Pasricha at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, USA), said that modern life and mobile phones have a negative side that causes many harmful effects on human health.

One of them involves where and how much we use our phones – a factor that can lead to unfortunate consequences.

The study found that age, gender, body mass, exercise, or fiber intake of participants did not affect the results, further highlighting the harmful effects of sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.

Dr. Pasricha and his team in the United States surveyed 125 people who had undergone colonoscopy. More than 40% of them had hemorrhoids, and 93% said they used their phones in the bathroom at least once a week. About half read the news while in the bathroom, 44% used social media, and 30% sent emails or texted.

Many people said they spend more than six minutes in the toilet at a time, and most blamed their smartphones.

“This is one of many examples of how smartphones have invaded even the most private parts of our lives and bodies,” said digital health scientist Alex Beattie (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), who was not involved in the study.

Screen time before bed can disrupt sleep; phone use at the dinner table affects family bonding. And now, bathroom habits are no longer safe either.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are clusters of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and connective tissue in and around the lower rectum. These structures act like “cushions” to help make bowel movements easier, but when the tissues swell or bleed, it is a sign of hemorrhoids.

Common causes include excessive straining, prolonged defecation, or frequent bowel movements. Some studies have shown that sitting on the toilet for long periods of time can cause the blood vessels in the anus and rectum to dilate, leading to hemorrhoids. Therefore, many doctors recommend not spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet.

Some experts even recommend no more than three minutes, based on a study of 100 hemorrhoid patients, which found they spent more time reading in the toilet than healthy people of the same age and gender.

Reading while sitting on the toilet is not a new phenomenon. In the past, when squat toilets were popular, many people even read newspapers and used the same newspaper to wipe themselves after using the toilet.

However, phones have a higher level of distraction, making it easier for users to lose focus on defecation.

The study, though small, showed a clear correlation between sitting on the toilet for long periods of time and the risk of hemorrhoids. Whether reading or using your phone in the toilet actually causes hemorrhoids still needs further research.

“We need to do more research on this,” Dr. Pasricha said. “But it’s best to leave your phone outside when you go to the bathroom.”

Until more evidence is available, the general advice from experts is to limit your time on the toilet. Going to the toilet should be your top priority, not checking your phone.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/dung-dien-thoai-khi-di-ve-sinh-tang-nguy-co-mac-tri-cao-hon-46-20251015082800048.htm