Why Scrolling on the Toilet Could Be Riskier Than You Think
A Habit Many Share—But Few Question
For many people, reaching for their smartphone while heading to the bathroom has become second nature. A quick check of emails, a short video, or a scroll through social media feels harmless. Yet new scientific findings suggest this modern habit may come with unexpected health risks—specifically for your digestive and vascular system.
What the Research Reveals
A study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has shed light on a surprising connection between smartphone use and the risk of developing haemorrhoids. According to the research, individuals who used their smartphones on the toilet were five times more likely to spend longer than five minutes seated, compared with those who left their devices behind.
This prolonged sitting, especially in a posture that offers limited pelvic support, increases what researchers call “passive pressure” in the lower rectal region. Unlike straining, which many assume to be the main culprit in haemorrhoid formation, passive pressure quietly builds as time passes. Over time, this extra pressure may cause swelling of the vascular cushions in the anal canal, leading to haemorrhoids—commonly known as piles.
The researchers estimate that smartphone users may face nearly a 50% higher risk of developing this uncomfortable and often chronic condition.
A Condition as Old as Humanity
Haemorrhoids are not new. Historical texts dating back thousands of years describe their painful symptoms. Yet the introduction of smartphones into bathroom routines has added a modern twist to this ancient health issue. By unintentionally extending the amount of time people sit in a vulnerable position, smartphones may be exacerbating a problem that has plagued humanity for centuries.
Strain vs. Stillness
One of the most striking insights from the study is that straining—long considered the main risk factor—was not the dominant cause in this case. Instead, the simple act of lingering too long was the real concern. This suggests that lifestyle habits, even seemingly minor ones, can have a larger impact on health than we often assume.
Why It Matters for Everyday Health
Haemorrhoids affect millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort, bleeding, and in severe cases, the need for medical intervention. While genetics and diet certainly play roles, the study highlights how modern behaviors can quietly worsen the risk. Spending a few extra minutes scrolling may not seem like much, but compounded over months and years, the effect becomes significant.
Moreover, haemorrhoids are just one potential issue. Prolonged sitting in this position may also affect circulation, muscle function, and even posture over time. Small changes in daily habits could therefore have meaningful long-term benefits.
What You Can Do
The practical takeaway is simple but powerful: try to leave your smartphone outside the bathroom. Even reducing your scrolling habit by a few minutes can lower unnecessary pressure in the pelvic region. If you find it difficult to break the routine, consider substituting with a short non-digital read—like a magazine or newspaper—that encourages you to keep your visit brief.
Researchers involved in the study are now planning follow-up trials to determine whether avoiding smartphones in the bathroom directly reduces haemorrhoid incidence. Until then, adopting a more mindful approach to this daily habit may be one of the easiest health adjustments you can make.
A Small Change, A Big Difference
In a world where technology is woven into nearly every moment of our lives, the bathroom may be one of the last places where boundaries are worth setting. By stepping away from your screen—even briefly—you may be protecting not only your focus but also your long-term health.