Smartphone Use on Toilet Linked to Increased Hemorrhoid Risk, Study Suggests

A recent study in the United States indicates that using smartphones while sitting on the toilet may heighten the risk of developing painful hemorrhoids.

According to the research, individuals who engage with their phones during toilet time are 46% more likely to develop hemorrhoids compared to those who do not.

This finding has drawn attention, as scrolling through phones on the toilet has become a common habit for many.

Researchers explain that prolonged sitting on the toilet, particularly when distracted by a smartphone, can increase pressure on the anal and rectal areas.

This added strain may damage blood vessels in the region, potentially leading to hemorrhoids—swollen and inflamed veins in the anus or rectum that cause discomfort, itching, or pain.

However, the study’s authors caution that the research has limitations.

Conducted on a small group of participants, the findings do not definitively prove that smartphone use directly causes hemorrhoids.

Other factors, such as a low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, or family history, could also contribute to the condition.

Thus, it remains unclear whether phone use alone is the primary culprit.To reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, researchers recommend spending less time on the toilet and avoiding distractions like smartphones.

A balanced diet rich in fiber, adequate hydration, and regular physical activity can also help prevent this condition