Sitting down to poop should be all business, but some people turn it into a break. Now that smartphones have replaced newspapers and magazines as reading material in the bathroom, is mindless scrolling on the toilet creating a pain in the butt?
Believe it or not, a group of researchers studied this exact scenario and found that yes, excessive scrolling on a phone while sitting on the toilet can increase your chance of getting hemorrhoids.
In the study, 66% of participants said they use their phones in the bathroom to read news or scroll on social media. Those who used a phone while doing their business stayed put longer than those who didn’t, usually 5 or more minutes. This same group also reported getting less physical activity in their day-to-day, so lifestyle factors may also contribute to the risk of hemorrhoids.
Sitting too long on the toilet, which unlike a chair, provides no pelvic floor support, increases pressure on the veins in the rectal area. The leaning forward position that many people find comfortable on the toilet adds to the pressure. Pressure can cause swelling, which can then lead to hemorrhoids down the road.
Constipation and straining also contribute to your chance of hemorrhoids. Of course, leaving your phone in another room is great option, but it’s also important to limit constipation by eating enough fiber, drinking enough water, and getting some activity.
If you are sitting and trying for more than 5 to 10 minutes, that’s a red flag. If you haven’t gone in 5 minutes, try again later. If you’re dealing with toilet troubles – especially rectal bleeding or symptoms lasting longer than a week -- talk to your doctor.