A new study has put a spotlight on one of the least glamorous aspects of modern smartphone use: scrolling while on the toilet. Researchers in the United States found that prolonged bathroom sessions, often driven by phone use, may increase the risk of haemorrhoids—a painful and common health problem affecting millions worldwide.
The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, surveyed 125 adults aged 45 and older undergoing colonoscopies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Two-thirds of participants admitted to using their phones while on the toilet. Those who did so tended to spend more than five minutes seated, compared with shorter durations for non-phone users. The most common activities? Checking news updates and browsing social media.
Medical experts say the issue isn’t the phone itself but the extra time spent on the toilet. Prolonged sitting can increase pressure in rectal veins, which may trigger or worsen haemorrhoids.
Why Time on the Toilet Matters
Professor Rupert Leong, a gastroenterologist at Concord Hospital in Sydney, explained the mechanism clearly: “Haemorrhoids develop from vascular swelling due to straining. If people sit on toilets for extended periods, distracted by smartphones, the process of defecation is prolonged. That increases pressure in the blood vessels, which can rupture and bleed.”
Haemorrhoids—swollen veins in the rectum and anus—are among the most common anorectal health issues in Australia. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners notes that about half of people experience them at some point in life. Symptoms range from discomfort and itching to bleeding, swelling, and painful lumps.
Emeritus Professor Graeme Young of Flinders University added that haemorrhoids often go unnoticed until they enlarge. “They start small and internal. It’s only when they bulge through the anus that they become apparent, sometimes feeling like a couple of grapes. Most patients realise something is wrong either from bleeding or discomfort while wiping.”
Beyond Embarrassment: Health Risks to Watch
While haemorrhoids are often manageable, experts stress the importance of not dismissing rectal bleeding as “just haemorrhoids.” Dr Leong warned that bleeding can also signal more serious conditions, including bowel cancer. “Anyone experiencing rectal bleeding should see their GP for an exam. If needed, a colonoscopy can rule out cancer and confirm whether haemorrhoids are the cause.”
This is critical in Australia, where bowel cancer remains the second most common cancer, accounting for around 15,000 new cases annually, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Early detection is linked to far higher survival rates.
Constipation, Diet, and Other Risk Factors
Haemorrhoids are not only about smartphones. Low fibre diets, chronic constipation, pregnancy, age, and sedentary lifestyles also play significant roles. Constipation itself is common—affecting up to one in four Australians at some point—and contributes to excessive straining during bowel movements.
Professor Young emphasised that sitting for long periods, regardless of phone use, is the bigger problem. “If nothing happens fairly quickly when you sit down, it’s better to get up and return later. Straining and waiting increase risk. Smartphones simply provide a distraction while people wait.”
Fibre is a protective factor. Health authorities recommend adults consume 25–30 grams daily, yet surveys suggest most Australians fall short. High-fibre diets with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains soften stools, making bowel movements easier and quicker.
How Smartphone Use May Disrupt Gut Signals
Beyond mechanics, some researchers are exploring neurological pathways. Dr Kate MacKrill, a gastroenterology psychologist at Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand, told the Australian Science Media Centre that prolonged smartphone use could disrupt gut-brain communication.
The digestive system is regulated by the enteric nervous system, sometimes called the “second brain.” “If you sit longer than necessary, the bowel’s signalling can become confused. It may think evacuation isn’t complete, leading to discomfort, constipation, or abdominal pain. This cycle can make people sit even longer, worsening the problem,” she explained.
Treatment and Prevention Options
For mild haemorrhoids, over-the-counter creams, suppositories, and ointments can ease symptoms. Pharmacies commonly stock hydrocortisone-based products that reduce inflammation. For moderate cases, doctors may prescribe stronger corticosteroid creams.
In more severe instances—such as when haemorrhoids become thrombosed or prolapsed—procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgical removal may be necessary.
The best approach is prevention:
- Limit toilet time: Aim for five minutes or less per session.
- Boost dietary fibre: Add whole grains, vegetables, and fruit daily.
- Stay hydrated: Drink 1.5–2 litres of water per day.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity supports healthy bowel function.
- Avoid straining: Go when you feel the urge instead of delaying.
The Global Relevance of the Findings
Haemorrhoids affect an estimated 40% of adults worldwide at some point. The market for haemorrhoid treatments is projected to reach nearly USD 2.4 billion globally by 2027, driven by rising incidence and awareness. The US study underscores how modern lifestyle habits—particularly phone use—intersect with health in unexpected ways.
In Australia, gastroenterologists say they are increasingly encountering younger patients with haemorrhoids, which they attribute to sedentary lifestyles, diets low in fibre, and, now, prolonged toilet sessions with phones.
Balancing Convenience with Health
Smartphones have become near-constant companions. Data from the Australian Communications and Media Authority shows that 93% of adults own one, and the average daily usage exceeds three hours. That reliance often extends into the bathroom.
But experts caution against letting convenience compromise health. “Phones are not the enemy,” Professor Young said. “The problem is how they keep us sitting longer than we should.”
Even comedians are pointing out the habit. US stand-up performer Anjelah Johnson-Reyes joked in a viral clip about feeling “bored” on the toilet without her phone. It’s humour, but it reflects how ingrained the habit has become.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Doctors recommend that anyone experiencing rectal bleeding, persistent pain, or noticeable lumps should see a general practitioner. Symptoms that persist for more than a few days, worsen over time, or come with changes in bowel habits warrant professional evaluation.
According to Dr Leong, “GPs can quickly assess whether haemorrhoids are likely. But for patients over 45 who haven’t had a colonoscopy, further screening is essential to rule out cancer. That’s not just good medicine—it’s potentially lifesaving.”
What Readers Can Do Today
Health experts offer several actionable steps:
- Time your bathroom sessions: Use a clock instead of scrolling apps.
- Increase fibre gradually: Add a serving of beans, oats, or vegetables each day.
- Build a hydration habit: Carry a reusable bottle and track intake.
- Exercise: Even brisk walking supports regularity.
- See a GP if bleeding occurs: Don’t assume it’s benign.
The Bottom Line
Smartphones have reshaped modern life, from work to entertainment. But when it comes to bathroom habits, moderation matters. What feels like harmless multitasking could quietly raise the risk of an uncomfortable and sometimes serious condition.
The message from experts is clear: keep toilet visits brief, listen to your body’s natural signals, and don’t ignore warning signs. A few minutes saved scrolling in another room might also spare you the pain of haemorrhoids—and in some cases, catch more serious problems early.
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