New Delhi, 07 September 2025: Many people carry their smartphones everywhere – including the bathroom. What may seem like harmless scrolling while sitting on the toilet can actually have serious health consequences. A new study has revealed that prolonged phone use in the bathroom significantly increases the risk of developing haemorrhoids, a painful and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Let’s break down what haemorrhoids are, how scrolling on the toilet plays a role, and what you can do to protect your health.
What Are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They are similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs but are located in a more sensitive region of the body. These swollen blood vessels can develop inside the rectum (internal haemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external haemorrhoids).
Types of Haemorrhoids:
- Internal Haemorrhoids – Found inside the rectum. They are usually painless but may bleed during bowel movements.
- External Haemorrhoids – Found under the skin around the anus. They can cause itching, pain, swelling, and sometimes bleeding.
- Thrombosed Haemorrhoids – A type of external haemorrhoid where a blood clot forms, causing severe pain, swelling, and a hard lump near the anus.
Common Symptoms of Haemorrhoids
The symptoms vary depending on the type and severity but may include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
- Itching or irritation in the anal region
- Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
- Swelling or lumps near the anus
- Mucus discharge after bowel movements
While haemorrhoids are not usually life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated.
Why Scrolling on the Toilet Increases Risk
Many people spend far longer on the toilet than necessary because of their smartphones. What could be a two-minute visit often turns into a ten- or even twenty-minute session of browsing social media, replying to messages, or reading articles.
How This Leads to Haemorrhoids:
- Prolonged Sitting Puts Pressure on Veins
When you sit on the toilet, your rectal muscles relax, and pressure increases in the anal veins. The longer you sit, the more strain you put on these blood vessels, which can cause them to swell and form haemorrhoids. - Straining While Distracted
Being absorbed in your phone might make you unconsciously strain for longer periods. Straining is one of the biggest contributors to haemorrhoid development. - Reduced Circulation
Extended sitting reduces blood flow to the pelvic region, which weakens vein walls and makes them more prone to bulging. - Creates a Habit Loop
Carrying a phone into the bathroom becomes a routine, making prolonged sitting a daily habit. Over time, this repeated strain adds up, significantly increasing the risk.
The Study Findings
The recent research highlights that bathroom phone use correlates strongly with haemorrhoid complaints. Individuals who spent more than 10 minutes on the toilet per visit were found to have a much higher likelihood of haemorrhoid symptoms compared to those who limited their time.
While the phone itself isn’t directly harmful, the behavior it encourages—extended sitting and straining—creates the perfect conditions for haemorrhoids to develop.
Other Causes and Risk Factors
Apart from prolonged toilet sitting, several other factors contribute to haemorrhoids:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea – Both conditions strain rectal veins.
- Low-fiber diet – Lack of dietary fiber leads to hard stools and difficult bowel movements.
- Obesity – Extra body weight puts additional pressure on the pelvic veins.
- Pregnancy – Increased pressure on the rectal area from the growing uterus.
- Sedentary lifestyle – Prolonged sitting in general reduces circulation.
- Heavy lifting – Can trigger or worsen haemorrhoids due to straining.
- Aging – Tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus weaken with age.
How to Prevent Haemorrhoids
1. Limit Toilet Time
Try to finish within 3–5 minutes. Leave your phone outside the bathroom to avoid distractions.
2. Increase Fiber Intake
Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. A high-fiber diet softens stools and reduces straining.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily to maintain healthy bowel movements.
4. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity improves circulation and prevents constipation. Even light exercises like walking can help.
5. Practice Healthy Toilet Habits
- Go when you feel the urge; don’t delay bowel movements.
- Avoid straining or holding your breath while on the toilet.
- Consider using a footstool to elevate your feet; this improves alignment and reduces strain.
6. Manage Stress
Stress can impact digestion and lead to constipation. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help regulate bowel health.
Treatment Options for Haemorrhoids
If prevention fails and you develop haemorrhoids, treatments range from home remedies to medical procedures.
Home Remedies
- Warm sitz baths to soothe pain and itching
- Over-the-counter creams or suppositories with hydrocortisone
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Keeping the anal area clean and dry
Medical Treatments
- Minimally invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation
- Surgical options like haemorrhoidectomy (removal of haemorrhoids) or stapled haemorrhoidopexy for severe cases
Why Awareness Matters
Haemorrhoids are often seen as an embarrassing condition, leading many people to suffer in silence. However, early treatment can prevent complications such as anaemia from chronic bleeding, severe pain from thrombosed haemorrhoids, or infections.
With smartphone use being almost universal, raising awareness about the link between prolonged toilet sitting and haemorrhoids is critical. Breaking this habit is a simple yet effective step toward protecting your health.
Key Takeaways
The bathroom may feel like the perfect time to catch up on social media or play a quick game, but your body pays the price. Scrolling on the toilet extends your sitting time, increases pressure on rectal veins, and significantly raises the risk of haemorrhoids.
By making small lifestyle changes—such as leaving your phone outside, eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your bowel habits—you can protect yourself from this painful condition.
Remember: haemorrhoids are common, but they are preventable. Treat your bathroom time as a necessity, not a scrolling session, and your body will thank you.
