The way you use your phone in the toilet is affecting your colon

Many young patients are presenting with complaints like constipation, discomfort during bowel movements, or early signs of haemorrhoids (Image: Pexels)

• Extended toilet phone use increases risk of haemorrhoids.
• Distraction can cause straining or incomplete bowel evacuation.
• Using phones in toilets risks harmful bacteria exposure.

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Are you someone who likes to take your phone with you everywhere? Do you frequently ‘toilet scroll’? Let’s talk about this habit most of us are guilty of, but rarely acknowledge.

Taking your phone into the toilet may seem like a harmless habit. However, this means that a quick visit under five minutes now takes 15-20 minutes of mindless scrolling. This seemingly small change in toilet routine could be having a much bigger impact on your gut health than you realise.

Dr Sukrit Singh Sethi Director & Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, told Moneycontrol, "One of the primary concerns about this behaviour is the time spent sitting on the toilet. When you sit for extended periods, especially on a hard surface like a toilet, it increases pressure in the rectal veins. Over time, this adds strain and contributes to the development of haemorrhoids, a condition that is now increasingly seen in younger individuals in their 20s and 30s.”

Also read | Gastroenterologist reveals the 7 toilet mistakes that are causing you harm and what you should do instead

Another concern with toilet scrolling is distraction. “The human body has a natural rhythm and signalling system for bowel movements. However, when you are engrossed in social media content, watching videos or replying to messages, you can lose awareness of the signals. This can lead to either excessive straining or incomplete evacuation,” the gastroenterologist warned.

Straining puts unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor and rectal muscles, which can worsen bowel function over a period of time. According to Dr Sethi, incomplete evacuation can leave you feeling dissatisfied and may contribute to chronic constipation. Both of these issues, if ignored, can develop into long-term colorectal problems that may require medical attention.

One other factor that is often overlooked is hygiene. Toilets have high bacterial presence, and your phone is exposed to harmful microbes from the surfaces in the toilet. Dr Sethi pointed out, “Without proper sanitisation, your phone becomes an unintentional carrier of bacteria, transferring it to your hands, which then touch other surfaces including your face, eyes, ears, clothes, and your dining table or work station too. This increases the risk of potential bacterial infections.”

Also read | Using your phone on the toilet linked to higher risk of gastrointestinal disease: Study reveals

Gastroenterologists are observing an interesting pattern. Many young patients are presenting with complaints like constipation, discomfort during bowel movements, or early signs of haemorrhoids. A common feature is increased time spent in the toilet with their phones. While this may not be the only reason for their haemorrhoids, it certainly plays a contributing role.

So, what can you do to break this cycle? Here’s what Dr Sethi suggested:

Start by treating your toilet time as a functional activity alone, not a leisure break. When you feel the natural urge, go without delay. The body’s gastrocolic reflex works best when you respond promptly. Once you’re there, aim to finish within a few minutes rather than lingering unnecessarily.

Avoid straining at all costs. Rather than forcing bowel movement, it is better to try again later. To support smoother bowel movements, keep yourself well hydrated, maintain a fibre-rich diet, and follow consistent routines.

Most importantly, keep your phone outside the bathroom. This will help you stay mindful of your body’s signals, reduce unnecessary time spent sitting on the toilet, and can improve overall hygiene.

FAQs on Toilet Scroll

1. What is toilet scrolling, and why is it concerning?

Toilet scrolling refers to using your phone while on the toilet. This habit can extend toilet time from under five minutes to 15-20 minutes, potentially harming gut health.

2. How does prolonged sitting on the toilet affect health?

Extended sitting increases pressure in rectal veins, leading to haemorrhoids, especially in younger individuals.

3. Can toilet scrolling disrupt natural bowel movements?

Yes, distractions from phones can disrupt the body's natural rhythm for bowel movements, causing straining or incomplete evacuation.

4. What hygiene concerns are associated with taking phones into the toilet?

Phones can become carriers of bacteria from the toilet, increasing the risk of infections when touching other surfaces like your face or dining table.

5. How can one break the habit of toilet scrolling?

Treat toilet time as a functional activity, not leisure. Go promptly when you feel the urge, avoid straining, stay hydrated, eat a fibre-rich diet, and keep your phone outside the bathroom.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.