Overview
We synthesize emerging evidence showing that toilet phone use meaningfully extends bathroom time and raises hemorrhoids risk. In a recent PLOS ONE study of adults undergoing colonoscopy, participants who scrolled on the toilet were 46% more likely to have hemorrhoids than non-scrollers, even after accounting for constipation, exercise, fiber intake, and straining. The common-sense mechanism is simple: prolonged sitting on an open toilet increases rectal vein pressure, causing venous pooling in the hemorrhoidal cushions. The habit is widespread—about two-thirds of people in the cohort used smartphones in the bathroom—and scrollers were far more likely to sit ≥5 minutes per visit.
What the new research found
The cross-sectional analysis surveyed 125 adults at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and linked smartphone use on the toilet with longer defecation sessions and a higher prevalence of internal and external hemorrhoids. Notably, 37.3% of phone users reported sitting more than five minutes per trip versus 7.1% of non-users. In multivariable models, toilet phone use remained associated with a 46% increased odds of hemorrhoids (p=0.044) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, straining, and dietary fiber.
Institutional summaries echo these findings: phone users were five times more likely to exceed the five-minute mark and also reported less weekly exercise, implying a dual exposure—prolonged sitting during bathroom visits and sedentary lifestyle—that may compound anorectal risk.
Why scrolling on the toilet matters (the physiology)
When we sit on an open toilet, the pelvic floor and ischial support differ from a chair. The anal canal and lower rectum bear more downward force, which augments venous engorgement in the internal hemorrhoidal plexus. Add a forward-leaning posture, habitual Valsalva, and screen-induced time dilation, and rectal venous pressure remains elevated. Over minutes, the vascular cushions distend, the mucosa stretches, and inflammation, pruritus ani, and bleeding become more likely. Experts interviewed about the study emphasized that “it’s not the phone per se; it’s the extra minutes of straining and lingering the phone encourages.”
Recognizing symptoms early
Early recognition helps us decide when self-care is sufficient versus when to seek clinical evaluation. Common features include anal itching, perianal swelling, discomfort during defecation, bright red bleeding on the paper or bowl, or a tender perianal lump suggesting a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. Red-flag signs—persistent or heavy bleeding, worsening pain despite OTC measures, symptoms >7 days, or black/tarry stools—warrant prompt assessment to exclude other lower GI pathology such as fissures, proctitis, or neoplasia.
Modifiable risk factors we can address today
While constipation, low-fiber diets, chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, and deskbound routines are established contributors, the new research highlights a newly modifiable micro-behavior: leave the phone outside the bathroom and cap toilet time. Practical steps include:
- Time discipline: Aim to finish within 2–3 minutes. If nothing happens, stand up and try again later rather than force a movement. (Clinicians commonly advise avoiding “reading breaks” in the bathroom.)
- Ergonomics: Elevate the feet on a small stool to simulate the squat posture—knees above hips—which can reduce straining and facilitate a more complete evacuation.
- Bowel routine: Build a consistent gastrocolic-reflex routine after breakfast; respond to the urge rather than delaying, which can harden stool.
- Dietary fiber: Target 25–30 g/day via fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains; both soluble (e.g., oats, psyllium) and insoluble (wheat bran) support stool bulk and softer consistency (Bristol types 3–4).
- Hydration: Pair fiber with adequate fluids to avoid “drying” the stool; a glass of water with each meal is a simple anchor.
- Movement: Even modest increases in physical activity improve gut motility, counter sedentary time, and lower constipation risk—particularly relevant because phone users reported less exercise.
Evidence-based self-care and treatments
For uncomplicated cases, conservative measures are effective. We recommend a short trial of:
- Dietary fiber supplementation (e.g., psyllium husk) to normalize stool consistency and reduce straining;
- Sitz baths for anal pain relief;
- Topical agents (short courses of hydrocortisone, witch hazel) for inflammation and pruritus;
- Cold compresses for edema; and
- Short-term oral analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain control. (Follow label directions and consider comorbidities.)
When bleeding is significant, symptoms recur despite lifestyle change, or there is thrombosis or prolapse, office-based procedures such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy are considered; refractory cases may need hemorrhoidectomy. The major long-term fix remains prevention—shorter toilet sessions, less scrolling, more fiber/hydration, and regular movement.
Practical bathroom script (behavior change you’ll actually use)
- Before you enter: Leave the smartphone outside; if needed, set a 3-minute timer on a smartwatch or kitchen timer instead.
- Positioning: Use a footstool to elevate the knees; keep the back neutral, avoid hunching over the screen.
- If nothing happens by 3 minutes: Stand up, take a brief walk, drink water, and try later.
- Daily baseline: Hit 25–30 g fiber, hydrate with 1 glass at breakfast/lunch/dinner, and integrate light activity (e.g., a 10-minute walk after meals).
Key takeaways
- Toilet phone use is common and encourages lingering, which elevates rectal venous pressure and raises hemorrhoids risk.
- The association persisted after adjusting for constipation, fiber, exercise, and straining; scrollers were more likely to sit >5 minutes.
- Small tweaks—no scrolling, footstool, fiber + fluids, movement, time caps—reduce risk and support bowel health.
This article is informational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Seek care for persistent bleeding, severe pain, or any concerning change in bowel habits.
Sources
- Ramprasad C. PLOS ONE: Smartphone use on the toilet and the risk of hemorrhoids (published Sept 3, 2025). Key statistics and adjusted 46% increased odds. PLOS
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Q&A/brief highlighting over-five-minute toilet time and lower activity among phone users. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- PubMed/PMC record corroborating sample characteristics and multivariable results