Cell phone use on the toilet has increased the rate of hemorrhoids worldwide

Cell phone use on the toilet has increased the rate of hemorrhoids worldwide

These days, however, paper reading material in the john is probably pretty scarce. A 2015 survey from wireless carrier Verizon shows that 9 out of 10 people bring their smartphone with them to the bathroom.

Just think, how many times have you brought your phone into the bathroom? Daily? Multiple times per day?

While it may be fun to kill time scrolling Instagram or checking email while pooping, using your smartphone on the toilet has some real dirty consequences for your health.

All that sitting and scrolling is actually pretty bad for your butt, too, it turns out.

Prolonged sitting, which can happen if you get very absorbed in your smartphone, can up your risk of hemorrhoids. There’s no concrete research yet (although a clinical trial is in the works), but still, experts are concerned.

Colorectal surgeon Dr. Karen Zaghiyan explains: “It’s not the actual act of using a smartphone that is the problem. Rather, sitting on the toilet [whether you are reading or just sitting there] for a prolonged period of time can definitely lead to hemorrhoid problems.”

Hemorrhoids, also sometimes called “piles,” are inflamed or swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be painful or itchy and may bleed.

Hemorrhoids can be external or internal. External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can easily be felt with your fingers. Internal hemorrhoids form in the lining of the anus or lower rectum, and you can’t feel them unless they form outside the anal opening.

Hemorrhoids generally don't cause serious health problems, but they can be uncomfortable. Certain behaviors and habits could make you more likely to get hemorrhoids. Many of my patients are surprised to learn that sitting on the toilet for long periods can also lead to hemorrhoids. The shape of the toilet seat puts extra pressure on the rectum and anus. This can cause the veins to become swollen when you sit there for a long time. Then when you’re pushing hard during a bowel movement, you've got the potential for hemorrhoids.

Some people need more time to move their bowels than others. But when I ask my patients about their bathroom habits, I often hear about one that is contributing to their hemorrhoids: smartphone usage. Yes, many of us are spending too much time scrolling the web while sitting on the toilet.