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

A new study warns that scrolling on your phone while sitting on toilet may increase the risk of developing a painful gastrointestinal disease. (Image: Pexels)

With smartphones becoming an important part of daily life — whether for communication or entertainment — many people inevitably take them to the toilet. While exposure to bacteria may be an expected consequence, what many might not know is that the more time you spend on the toilet, the higher your chances of developing haemorrhoids, or piles. Scrolling can thus be a potential contributor.

What are haemorrhoids? 

Simply put, haemorrhoids are lumps that occur in and around your anus. They are sometimes called 'varicose veins' of the anus. They happen when a weak spot in the anal canal causes the lining to thicken. The veins there can swell, leading to bleeding, pain, and discomfort. It is very common, with symptomatic haemorrhoids experienced by one in two people at some point in their lives.

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Some of the traditional risk factors include: 

• Constipation and straining with defecation

• Prolonged sitting on the toilet

• Low intake of dietary fibre

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

• Sedentary behaviour

• How using the phone on toilet increases haemorrhoid risk

About 66% of participants said they often use smartphones on the toilet. Those who did spent much more time there than people who didn’t. Around 54% used their phones to read news, and 44% browsed social media.

Researchers found that using a smartphone on the toilet was linked to a 46% higher risk of haemorrhoids. Among smartphone users, 37% spent more than five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7% of non-users.

Link between toilet time and haemorrhoids

While prolonged sitting may not be linked to developing haemorrhoids, the case is different with a toilet seat, which has a large opening. It offers no support to the pelvic floor (the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus). Thus, sitting for long can increase pressure in the pelvic floor, causing blood to pool in the rectum, thereby increasing the risk of haemorrhoids.

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How to avoid haemorrhoids

When it comes to its link with smartphones, haemorrhoids can be easily prevented by not taking your smartphone to the bathroom. And if you do, it’s best to set a timer anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes. For general prevention, increase the fibre content in your diet and drink plenty of water. This helps pass the stool easily and reduces straining.

Limitations of the study

The study relied on participants’ memory when recalling whether they strained and how long they spent on the toilet. This can be subjective and influenced by being part of the study, making participants more likely to report straining if they believed they had haemorrhoids. Moreover, it collected data from a small sample size, with all participants being over 45, making it unlikely that the results represent the wider population.

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