What feels like a harmless routine may actually carry hidden health risks.
Scrolling through your phone while sitting on the toilet has become second nature for many people.
Yet new research suggests that this common behavior could increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
A study published in PLOS One examined the bathroom habits of adults undergoing colonoscopies and found that people who used their phones while on the toilet were forty-six percent more likely to have hemorrhoids than those who did not.
The researchers discovered that phone users tended to sit significantly longer, often exceeding five minutes per visit, which increases pressure in the veins of the rectum.
Doctors explain that when you sit for extended periods in a leaning-forward position, blood begins to pool in the rectal veins.
The longer this continues, the more likely those veins are to swell and stretch.
This effect, combined with constipation, straining, and low fiber diets, creates the perfect conditions for hemorrhoids to develop.
The symptoms are often uncomfortable but recognizable.
Itching, swelling, or mild pain around the anus are common early signs.
Sometimes blood appears after a bowel movement, or a small lump can be felt near the anal opening.
Most hemorrhoids are not dangerous, but they can cause significant discomfort and embarrassment.
Medical experts advise seeking care if bleeding is heavy, pain does not improve with basic treatment, or stools appear dark and tarry.
For mild cases, over-the-counter creams, sitz baths, and oral pain relievers are often enough to bring relief.
The good news is that simple lifestyle choices can reduce your risk.
Leaving your phone outside the bathroom is an obvious first step.
Diet also plays a crucial role.
A high fiber intake, around twenty-five to thirty grams per day from sources such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, softens stools and reduces straining.
Hydration is equally important, as fiber without enough water can worsen constipation rather than relieve it.
Drinking water consistently throughout the day, especially with meals, helps keep digestion smooth.
Exercise is another protective factor.
Even light physical activity like walking promotes regular bowel movements, while also supporting overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Together, these small adjustments can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.
The bottom line is clear.
Hemorrhoids are common, but preventable.
By limiting the time you spend seated on the toilet, avoiding distractions like your phone, and making healthy choices around diet, hydration, and movement, you give your body the best chance at avoiding this uncomfortable condition.