Chances are, you’ve probably spent some time mindlessly scrolling through your phone while taking care of bathroom business. And as gross as some may think this is in itself, new research suggests this questionable habit may also be increasing your risk of developing a rather unfortunate medical condition down there .
In a new study, scientists found that people who use their smartphones while pooping are more likely to develop hemorrhoids—swollen, swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can make it even harder to go. The reason? Scientists think it’s because if you’re looking at your phone, you’re spending too much time in the bathroom.
“While it is a general adage that one should avoid prolonged bathroom time, our study adds a concrete risk association between hemorrhoids and smartphone use, which may inadvertently prolong intended bathroom time,” the authors wrote in their paper, published Wednesday in PLOS-ONE.
The why and how of a hemorrhoid
The end of the rectum and anus of the body is cushioned by blood vessels and surrounding tissue. Normally, this cushion protects the skin from our stool. But when the veins in this area become inflamed and swollen, they become hemorrhoids .
Hemorrhoids can be external or internal, although external hemorrhoids are the most common cause of the misery associated with them, causing symptoms such as anal itching, swelling, and pain. Internal hemorrhoids typically cause painless bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are generally not a major medical concern, and smaller ones often go away on their own. However, they can sometimes lead to serious complications if the affected veins are blocked by a blood clot. Larger hemorrhoids are unlikely to go away without treatment and lifestyle changes. It’s estimated that Americans make at least four million visits to their doctors or emergency rooms annually due to hemorrhoids.
Common risk factors for hemorrhoids include chronic constipation (straining to defecate), pregnancy, age, and a low-fiber diet. Spending too much time on the toilet can also cause hemorrhoids, as the act of squatting itself (not to mention gravity) puts pressure on these veins. This is why gastroenterologists generally recommend that people spend no more than five minutes using the toilet.
A tempting distraction
For the new study, a team of scientists conducted a survey of 125 patients about to undergo a routine colonoscopy screening test.
Overall, 43% ended up with a hemorrhoid. Two-thirds of participants admitted to using their smartphones while on the toilet, and smartphone use was associated with a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids. Looking more closely, 37% of smartphone users reported being on the toilet for more than five minutes on average, compared to only 7% of non-users—a fivefold difference.
The researchers also found no other significant differences in straining or constipation rates between the two groups, indicating that bathroom time was the biggest contributing factor to smartphone users’ risk. Smartphone users reported being less physically active than non-users, but they were also younger.
A simple change
The clear argument here is to put your phone down while you’re at it, although that may be easier said than done.
Researchers note that only half of smartphone users admitted to spending more time in the bathroom than they normally would. So it’s entirely possible that many of us simply don’t realize how busy we are with our phones in the bathroom, causing us to lose track of time.
“I think what’s happening is that time kind of slows down when you’re scrolling, and people don’t realize how long they’ve been sitting there,” study researcher Trisha Pasricha said in a press release from Beth Israel Deaconess.
For those looking for a potential way to avoid spending too much time in the bathroom while holding their phones, try getting a cat. They’re great pets, but incredibly invasive bathroom monitors.
