Smartphone Use on the Toilet May Raise Haemorrhoid Risk by 46%, Study Finds

New Delhi, Sep 2025 : A new U.S. study has found that using a smartphone while sitting on the toilet could significantly increase the risk of haemorrhoids—commonly known as piles—by up to 46%.

What Are Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are clusters of blood vessels and tissues located near the anus that help maintain bowel control. While they are a normal part of human anatomy, they can become swollen and symptomatic, causing pain, itching, bleeding, or lumps either inside or outside the anus. More than half of adults are expected to experience haemorrhoid-related symptoms at some point in their lives.

Why Toilet Habits Matter

According to the study, prolonged sitting on a toilet seat increases pressure on the pelvic floor, which can cause blood to pool in the anal cushions, triggering or worsening haemorrhoids. Unlike chairs or sofas, toilet seats provide minimal support for the pelvic region, making extended sitting more harmful.

Key Findings

The research team surveyed 125 adults aged 45 and older who were undergoing colonoscopies.

• Two-thirds admitted to using their smartphones while on the toilet.
• Among them, 54.3% read news and 44.4% browsed social media.
• 37.3% of smartphone users spent more than five minutes on the toilet, compared to just 7% of non-users.

After controlling for factors such as age, gender, body mass index, fibre intake, physical activity, and straining, smartphone users still showed a 46% higher risk of developing haemorrhoids. Surprisingly, the study found no direct association between straining during bowel movements and haemorrhoids, suggesting that extended sitting time alone may be the bigger culprit.

Supporting Evidence

This finding aligns with earlier research. A 2020 Turkish study concluded that spending more than five minutes on the toilet increases haemorrhoid risk, while an Italian study reported that longer toilet time was associated with more severe haemorrhoid symptoms.

Prevention Tips

Health experts recommend simple lifestyle changes to reduce risk:

• Eat more fibre and drink plenty of water to support smooth bowel movements.
• Limit toilet time and resist the temptation to take your phone into the bathroom.
• Seek medical advice if you notice blood in stools, persistent pain, or lumps around the anus.

The Bottom Line

Scrolling through your phone in the bathroom may seem harmless, but experts warn it could have lasting health consequences. Leaving your phone outside the toilet isn’t just good for your concentration—it might also protect your digestive health.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)