Researchers studied 125 colonoscopy patients, finding that over 40 percent had hemorrhoids. Among them, 93 percent admitted to using their phone on the toilet at least once a week.
A new survey has linked phone use on the toilet to a 46 percent increased risk of hemorrhoids. The findings were presented at Digestive Diseases Week (DDW) 2025 in San Diego, California.
Researchers studied 125 colonoscopy patients, finding that over 40 percent had hemorrhoids. Among them, 93 percent admitted to using their phone on the toilet at least once a week.
According to presenter Dr. Trisha Satya Pasricha of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, “About half said they read news, 44 percent browsed social media, and 30 percent emailed or texted.”
Age, sex, weight, exercise, and fiber intake did not affect the results. Some participants reported spending over six minutes per toilet visit, often longer because of phone use.
Experts caution that the small survey only shows correlation, not causation. Still, some doctors now recommend limiting toilet time.
“It may be time to designate the washroom as a smartphone-free zone,” researchers wrote in a 2024 paper.
For now, experts advise: limit scrolling—focus on the task.