A U.S. study has found that using smartphones on the toilet increases haemorrhoid risk by 46%, with prolonged sitting time identified as the key factor.
A new study has warned that scrolling through a smartphone while on the toilet may significantly increase the risk of haemorrhoids, also known as piles.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in the U.S. found that people who took their devices into the bathroom spent longer seated, which raised their chances of developing the painful condition.
“Using a smartphone while on the toilet was linked to a 46 per cent increased chance of having haemorrhoids,” said senior author Dr. Trisha Pasricha.
The study surveyed 125 adults undergoing bowel cancer screening, examining both their toilet habits and health outcomes.
Two-thirds admitted to using smartphones while seated, with younger participants more likely to engage in the habit. While only 7.1 per cent of non-users sat for more than five minutes, 37 per cent of phone users reported staying longer. Activities included reading news, checking social media, texting, gaming, and streaming videos.
“We’re still uncovering the many ways smartphones and our modern way of life impact our health,” Dr. Pasricha explained. She advised people to leave phones outside the bathroom and limit toilet time to a few minutes.
According to the NHS, about half of the UK population will experience haemorrhoids at some point.