It’s a habit most people don’t think twice about—scrolling on your phone while sitting on the toilet. For many, it’s the perfect time to catch up on messages, news, or social media. But doctors are now warning that this seemingly harmless practice may come with hidden health risks. A new study has linked toilet phone use with a significantly higher chance of developing haemorrhoids, sparking fresh conversations about how long we spend in the bathroom.
Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar, trained at CMC Vellore, shared the findings on X in a post titled “Smartphones in the Toilet: A Hidden Health Risk You Should Not Ignore.” He explained that prolonged sitting caused by smartphone use increases pressure in the rectal veins, raising the risk of painful haemorrhoids. The distraction, he noted, turns what should be quick visits into extended sessions without us realising it.
The study, published in PLOS One under the title “Smartphone use on the toilet and the risk of haemorrhoids,” offered eye-opening statistics. Two out of three adults admit to taking their smartphones into the bathroom. Smartphone users were five times more likely to sit for more than five minutes compared to non-users. Dr Sudhir Kumar stated that after adjusting for diet, activity, and other lifestyle factors, they were found to have a 46% higher risk of haemorrhoids.
What does the study's author say?
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, the study’s senior author and director of the Gut-Brain Research Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston, explained on Instagram that her lab’s research linking smartphones and haemorrhoids is something more people need to take seriously. She noted that half of smartphone users end up sitting on the toilet longer than planned because of their smartphones. Her advice was simple: keep the phone outside the bathroom, or set strict limits if you can’t. She further recommended rather to take a light reading material like a magazine instead.
Dr Sudhir Kumar recommends a few simple changes to reduce risk. Keep toilet time short—ideally under five minutes. A high-fibre diet, good hydration, and regular exercise also go a long way in preventing haemorrhoids.
Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar, trained at CMC Vellore, shared the findings on X in a post titled “Smartphones in the Toilet: A Hidden Health Risk You Should Not Ignore.” He explained that prolonged sitting caused by smartphone use increases pressure in the rectal veins, raising the risk of painful haemorrhoids. The distraction, he noted, turns what should be quick visits into extended sessions without us realising it.
The study, published in PLOS One under the title “Smartphone use on the toilet and the risk of haemorrhoids,” offered eye-opening statistics. Two out of three adults admit to taking their smartphones into the bathroom. Smartphone users were five times more likely to sit for more than five minutes compared to non-users. Dr Sudhir Kumar stated that after adjusting for diet, activity, and other lifestyle factors, they were found to have a 46% higher risk of haemorrhoids.
Smartphones in the Toilet: A Hidden Health Risk You Should not Ignore
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) September 5, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us carry our smartphones everywhere, even into the toilet. For some, the bathroom has become a mini reading lounge, a place to catch up on news, emails, or social media… pic.twitter.com/VvfdU0w3Gi
What does the study's author say?
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, the study’s senior author and director of the Gut-Brain Research Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston, explained on Instagram that her lab’s research linking smartphones and haemorrhoids is something more people need to take seriously. She noted that half of smartphone users end up sitting on the toilet longer than planned because of their smartphones. Her advice was simple: keep the phone outside the bathroom, or set strict limits if you can’t. She further recommended rather to take a light reading material like a magazine instead.
Dr Sudhir Kumar recommends a few simple changes to reduce risk. Keep toilet time short—ideally under five minutes. A high-fibre diet, good hydration, and regular exercise also go a long way in preventing haemorrhoids.
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