While many of us are guilty of checking our phones in the bathroom, a new study suggests this habit may have more serious consequences than just leaving behind an unclean device. Research published in PLOS One has revealed a potential link between smartphone use on the toilet and an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids.
The study, led by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, director of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Institute for Gut-Brain Research, surveyed 125 adult colonoscopy patients aged 45 and older. Over two-thirds reported using their smartphones while on the toilet, with those individuals spending an average of more than five minutes per bathroom visit scrolling. Notably, over 40% of these patients had hemorrhoids, as determined through imaging during their colonoscopies.
After accounting for other factors that could contribute to hemorrhoid development, such as age, sex, exercise habits, fiber intake, and straining during bowel movements, the researchers found a significant association: smartphone use on the toilet was linked to a 46% higher risk of developing this painful condition.
The Unsavory Truth About Toilet Scrolling
Although the study doesn’t definitively prove that phone use causes hemorrhoids, it raises compelling questions about a potential connection. Dr. Pasricha highlights that this is the first research to examine this particular habit and its potential impact on digestive health.
“Just as we increasingly advise against using smartphones in bed due to their interference with sleep,” she explains, “we should start encouraging people to leave their phones outside the bathroom too.”
Why might scrolling on the toilet contribute to hemorrhoids?
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Prolonged Sitting: The study found that those who scrolled in the bathroom spent significantly longer periods there. Straining and increased pressure on veins in the rectum can occur when sitting for prolonged durations, potentially weakening connective tissue and increasing the risk of bulging veins (hemorrhoids).
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Distraction from Physical Signals: Our bodies often send subtle cues to signal when we’ve completed our bathroom business. Endless scrolling on a smartphone can distract us from these signals, leading to extended time spent straining on the toilet.
What Should You Do?
The takeaway message isn’t to demonize phone use entirely. Rather, it highlights a potential health risk associated with a very specific habit. If reading or browsing on your phone helps you relax and facilitates bowel movements, Dr. Pasricha recommends reverting to older-fashioned paper reading materials like newspapers or magazines.
Beyond limiting bathroom phone time, if you suspect you have hemorrhoids, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from discussing this common condition with a healthcare professional.
