Smartphone use on toilet linked to higher hemorrhoid risk
Scrolling on your smartphone while on the toilet may increase your risk of hemorrhoids by nearly 50%.
Why it matters
- Highlights how modern habits like smartphone use can impact health.
- Suggests simple behavioral changes to reduce hemorrhoid risk.
By the numbers
- 66% of participants used their phone on the toilet.
- 37% of phone users stayed on the toilet for more than 5 minutes per visit.
- 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids linked to smartphone use on the toilet.
The big picture
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet, especially with phone use, may increase hemorrhoid risk.
- Modern screen addiction may have unintended health consequences.
What they're saying
- Some experts suggest limiting toilet time to five minutes.
- The study shows an association but not causation; more research is needed.
Caveats
- Cross-sectional design cannot prove cause and effect.
- Self-reported data may have recall bias.
- Study participants were over 45 and undergoing colonoscopies, which may not represent the general population.
What’s next
- Larger, long-term studies could explore the impact of prolonged toilet-phone use on hemorrhoid rates.
- Behavioral interventions like timers may be tested to reduce sitting time.