A new US study shows that using a smartphone while on the toilet can increase the risk of hemorrhoids, a painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, led by Chethan Ramprasad, found that modern bathroom habits can worsen vein problems in the anal region.
The study published in PLOS One highlights how everyday tech habits can have unexpected health consequences and provides guidance for healthcare providers to advise patients on safer toilet routines.
Research examines the habit of smartphones in the bathroom
The study involved 125 adults undergoing routine colonoscopy checks. The participants answered surveys asking for information about their daily activities and their toilet habits, while the doctors performed examinations to check for hemorrhoids.
The study found that 66% of participants used their phones while in the bathroom, as younger people were more likely to do so. Smartphone users had a 46% higher risk of developing hemorrhoids compared to people who did not use smartphones.
Trisha Pasricha, senior author of the study, found that people spend more time in the bathroom as they stay connected to their smartphones. About 37% of smartphone users took more than five minutes to go to the toilet, while only 7% of non-users exhibited this behavior.
Many people used their phones to access social media platforms and browse news content. The body experiences increased pressure in the anal veins during prolonged toilet use, resulting in swelling and discomfort in the anal veins and rectal bleeding.
Pasricha recommended that people keep their phones away from the bathroom and limit the time they spend on the toilet, as these practices can help them prevent the development of hemorrhoids.
