A recent study reveals that using your smartphone in the bathroom could significantly increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston discovered that adults who engage with their phones while sitting on the toilet have a 46% higher chance of experiencing this painful condition. The findings were shared in the journal PLOS One this week.
The study included a survey of 125 adults who were undergoing colonoscopy procedures, with 66% of them admitting to using their phones while on the toilet. Those who brought their phones into the restroom were nearly twice as likely to suffer from hemorrhoids compared to those who didn’t engage in this habit, regardless of their age, weight, sex, or fiber consumption.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. They often result from straining during bowel movements and prolonged sitting on the toilet, conditions worsened by regular phone use.
Among the participants, about 37% of those who used their phones remained seated for over five minutes, in contrast to just 7% of non-users. Younger adults, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, tended to be more inclined to use their phones compared to those aged 60 and above. Many reported that they typically checked the news, browsed social media, or sent messages during their time on the toilet.
Dr. Chethan Ramprasad, a gastroenterologist and lead author of the study, noted that the extended sitting time poses a risk, regardless of other factors like fiber intake or exercise. The study’s results suggest that the longer a person sits, especially in an unsupported position, the greater the pressure on the rectal veins, which could lead to hemorrhoids.
The researchers also mentioned that using a stool to elevate the feet while sitting might ease some strain but would not eliminate the risk linked to extended sitting periods. Ramprasad recommended that people finish their business in the bathroom and then move on, rather than using the time to scroll through their phones.
Hemorrhoids are a common gastrointestinal issue in the U.S., affecting nearly 4 million people each year. The study urges for more in-depth research to understand the relationship between phone use and hemorrhoid risk. For now, the best advice is clear: use the bathroom for its intended purpose, and then stand up and stride back to your day.
