Your Phone in the Bathroom? How Smartphone Use on the Toilet Could Be Giving You Hemorrhoids

It’s a common habit: grabbing your smartphone the moment you sit on the toilet. Whether you’re catching up on social media, checking emails, or watching videos, bathroom time has become prime screen time for millions. But what seems like a harmless way to pass the minutes could be putting your health at risk. Recent research suggests that using smartphones on the toilet may significantly increase your chances of developing hemorrhoids—thanks to prolonged sitting and increased pressure in the rectal area.

The Link Between Smartphones and Hemorrhoids

A growing body of evidence points to a direct correlation between smartphone use in the bathroom and the development of hemorrhoids. According to a recent study, individuals who use their phones while on the toilet face a 46% higher risk of developing hemorrhoids compared to those who don’t. This risk persists even after adjusting for other contributing factors like diet, physical activity, and age.

The culprit isn’t the phone itself, but the behavior it encourages: extended sitting. The average bathroom visit lasts 5 to 10 minutes. However, smartphone users often spend 15, 20, or even 30 minutes on the toilet—time that adds up and increases pressure on the veins in the lower rectum.

Prolonged toilet sitting due to smartphone use can increase rectal pressure.

What Are Hemorrhoids and Why Does Sitting Matter?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. They can develop internally (inside the rectum) or externally (around the anal opening) and often cause discomfort, itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding during bowel movements.

Sitting for long periods—especially on the toilet—increases pressure in the blood vessels of the pelvic and rectal areas. This pressure can cause the veins to swell and become inflamed over time. The toilet seat position, which places the body in a semi-squatting posture, naturally increases strain during bowel movements. Add a smartphone into the mix, and the duration of this strain multiplies.

How Smartphones Extend Bathroom Time

Smartphones are designed to capture and hold attention. Infinite scrolling, notifications, and quick access to entertainment make it easy to lose track of time. A survey found that 66% of adults admit to using their phones while on the toilet. For many, this turns a quick bathroom break into a lengthy session.

This extended sitting doesn’t just affect hemorrhoid risk. It can also contribute to other issues such as:

• Increased exposure to germs and bacteria
• Worsening constipation due to improper bowel mechanics
• Reduced awareness of bodily signals

Breaking the Habit: Practical Tips

The good news? You don’t have to give up your phone entirely—just change where and when you use it. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk:

1. Leave the phone outside the bathroom – Make your bathroom a phone-free zone. This simple rule can dramatically reduce sitting time.
2. Set a timer – If you struggle to self-regulate, use a 10-minute timer to keep bathroom sessions in check.
3. Improve your diet and hydration – Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water helps promote quicker, more efficient bowel movements.
4. Use a footstool – Elevating your feet while sitting mimics a squatting position, which can reduce strain and shorten bathroom time.
5. Stay active – Regular physical activity supports healthy digestion and reduces the risk of constipation, a key contributor to hemorrhoids.

A footstool can improve posture and reduce strain during bowel movements.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you experience persistent pain, itching, or bleeding during bowel movements, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. While most hemorrhoid cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, some may require medical intervention.

Early action can prevent complications such as thrombosed hemorrhoids (clotted blood vessels) or chronic discomfort that affects daily life.

Final Thoughts

Smartphones have transformed nearly every aspect of modern life—including our bathroom habits. While it may seem convenient to scroll through your phone while on the toilet, the long-term consequences could include a painful and preventable condition like hemorrhoids.

By being mindful of how long you sit and making small changes to your routine, you can protect your digestive and rectal health. The next time you reach for your phone before heading to the bathroom, ask yourself: is that extra scroll worth the risk?

Your health starts with small choices—make them count.