Although there hasn’t been much scientific study of this potential connection until now, doctors have long assumed that extended use of a phone while sitting on the toilet may lead to health problems. Research now shows that scrolling on one’s phone while using the bathroom may, in fact, be detrimental to a person’s health.
Many individuals now make it a daily routine to go through their phones while using the bathroom. However, according to a recent study, those who spend an excessive amount of time on their phones while on the toilet are 46% more likely to get hemorrhoids than those who do not.
Researchers found that reading news or social media frequently sidetracks bathroom phone users, causing them to spend much more time on the toilet, potentially leading to these health problems.
The study involved 125 adults undergoing screening colonoscopies. Before endoscopists looked for symptoms of hemorrhoids, participants filled out an online survey about their lifestyle choices and regular bathroom behavior. After controlling for variables such as age, exercise habits, and fiber consumption, researchers found that about two-thirds of individuals reported using their phones while on the toilet.
Compared with 7.1% of non-phone users, almost 37% of phone users reported typically spending more than five minutes on the toilet. Participants most frequently reported using their phones for social media surfing or news reading.
This is more than a minor medical issue
Hemorrhoids are a significant and expensive issue in the United States, accounting for over $800 million in healthcare expenditures and approximately 4 million doctor or emergency room visits annually.
“Using a smartphone while on the toilet was linked to a 46 percent increased chance of having hemorrhoids,” said Trisha Pasricha, senior author of the study. “We’re still uncovering the many ways smartphones and our modern way of life impact our health. It’s possible that how and where we use them, such as while in the bathroom, can have unintended consequences.”
She also added that this study supports recommendations for the general public to leave phones outside the bathroom. As Pasricha pointed out, scrolling through popular apps on our smartphones makes it simple to lose track of time. However, people could be at greater health risk if they frequently spend more time on the toilet, preoccupied with their phones.