Harvard doctor issues warning: Taking your phone to the toilet could be triggering hemorrhoids

For many people, the bathroom has quietly become a zone for scrolling. What was once a short, functional visit now often includes social media, news updates or quick messages. While this habit feels harmless, doctors are increasingly warning that taking your phone to the toilet may be doing more damage than most people realise. The issue is not hygiene alone, but the amount of time spent sitting and the pressure placed on sensitive tissues during extended toilet visits.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, who regularly shares evidence-based health advice on Instagram, recently highlighted why phone use in the bathroom can raise haemorrhoid risk and negatively affect rectal health. In his Instagram post, he explains how longer sitting times, poor pelvic support and attention-holding apps work together to increase strain.




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Why taking your phone to the toilet increases haemorrhoid risk

Using a phone on the toilet changes how long and how people sit, which directly affects rectal and pelvic health. The following factors explain why this habit can be harmful over time.

Phone use in the bathroom increases haemorrhoid risk

Studies suggest that people who scroll on their phones while using the toilet have a significantly higher chance of developing haemorrhoids. This link remains even after accounting for factors such as diet, age, body weight, exercise and straining. The increased risk appears to be driven by prolonged sitting rather than bowel movement itself.

Phone use makes you stay seated for much longer

When a phone is involved, toilet visits stretch out without notice. A large proportion of phone users spend more than five minutes per visit, compared to a much smaller percentage of people who do not use their phones. Scrolling makes it easy to lose track of time, turning a quick visit into an extended one.

Longer toilet visits increase pressure on sensitive tissue

Spending more than five minutes on the toilet has been shown to increase haemorrhoid risk, sometimes even more than straining. The longer someone remains seated, the greater the pressure placed on blood vessels and surrounding tissue in the rectal area.

Toilet seats do not support the pelvic floor

Unlike chairs or sofas, toilet seats provide little support to the pelvic floor. Prolonged sitting in this position places additional stress on haemorrhoidal tissue, especially when visits are extended due to phone use.

Apps are designed to make you lose track of time

Social media and news apps are built to hold attention. Endless scrolling and autoplay features make it easy to forget how long you have been sitting. On the toilet, this design turns distraction into physical strain without realising it.

Haemorrhoids are extremely common and costly

Around half of adults experience haemorrhoids at some point in their lives. They account for millions of medical visits each year and create a significant burden on healthcare systems. Small daily habits, including how long someone sits on the toilet, contribute to this widespread issue.

Keeping toilet visits brief can reduce risk

A simple rule is to limit toilet time to under five minutes. Some people follow a two-minute video-only rule as a reminder to finish quickly, though leaving the phone outside the bathroom works best. Shorter visits reduce pressure on sensitive tissue and help protect long-term rectal health.



Taking your phone to the toilet may feel harmless, but over time, it can quietly increase haemorrhoid risk and strain the body. Keeping bathroom visits short and distraction-free is a small change that can make a meaningful difference to long-term health.



Disclaimer: This content is intended purely for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional or scientific advice. Always seek support from certified professionals for personalised recommendations.



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