Smartphone use on the toilet may do more than waste time; new study links it to higher Hemorrhoid risk in adults

A new study suggests that adults who use their smartphones while sitting on the toilet may face a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids. Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston surveyed 125 adults aged 45 and older who were undergoing screening colonoscopy. They found that smartphone users in the bathroom had a 46 per cent higher risk of hemorrhoids compared with non-users, even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), exercise, fiber intake, and straining.

While straining during bowel movements was not linked to hemorrhoids, the study highlighted that time spent on the toilet may play a role. Among smartphone users, 37.3 per cent reported spending more than five minutes per visit, compared with just 7.1 per cent of non-users. This study was published on September 3 in PLoS One.

What the Research Found

Of the 125 participants, 83 (66 per cent) admitted to using their phones while in the bathroom, primarily to catch up on news or scroll through social media. During the colonoscopies, gastroenterologists examined participants for signs of inflamed veins, or hemorrhoids. The study found that those who used their phones in the bathroom were 46 per cent more likely to have hemorrhoids than those who did not.

Importantly, this increased risk persisted even after researchers accounted for other common factors linked to hemorrhoids, such as dietary fiber intake, exercise habits, and constipation or straining during bowel movements

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins located in the anus or lower rectum, also known as piles. Hemorrhoids aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they can be bothersome, itchy and even painful. They also bleed sometimes, understandably causing concern and leading to nearly 4 million doctor’s office and emergency department visits a year.

Lifestyle factors and changing behaviors

Younger adults in the study were more likely to use smartphones on the toilet. Smartphone users also reported lower levels of weekly exercise, suggesting a more sedentary lifestyle outside of the bathroom. As mobile technology becomes increasingly common, habits such as smartphone use on the toilet could contribute to conditions once thought to be influenced mainly by diet and physical activity.

Implications for health and future research

The study has limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design, which prevents establishing causation. Hemorrhoid assessment was based on colonoscopy reports, which can vary by endoscopist. Despite this, the findings highlight a concrete risk of prolonged smartphone use on the toilet. Healthcare providers may consider advising patients to limit toilet time to under five minutes.