Can using your phone on the toilet give you hemorrhoids?

Taking your smartphone into the bathroom to occupy yourself on the toilet may not be such a smart idea, according to a gastroenterologist trained at Stanford and Harvard.

Dr Saurabh Sethi stated in a TikTok video that scrolling on social media while doing your business can have major health implications, causing haemorrhoids, as well.

Though Dr Krishnamohan. Y, clinical director of Bariatric & GI surgery, at CARE Hospitals, pointed out that using your phone on the toilet itself is not a direct cause of haemorrhoids. However, it can indirectly contribute to it or exacerbate existing haemorrhoids due to prolonged sitting.

For the unversed, haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort and bleeding. They are typically caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, often due to straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, being overweight, or during pregnancy.

Prolonged sitting

Using a phone can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can increase pressure on the veins in the rectal area. Prolonged sitting can worsen hemorrhoids or contribute to their development. It can also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with various health issues, including poor digestion and potential problems with bowel movements.

Straining

Engaging with content on a phone can cause distraction and lead to prolonged or strained bowel movements. Straining during bowel movements is a known risk factor for haemorrhoids.

This lack of mindfulness can lead to irregular bowel habits and potentially contribute to constipation or diarrhea, both of which can be associated with the ailment.

Poor posture

Bending over or hunching to use a phone can create poor posture on the toilet, which can further strain the rectal area and contribute to hemorrhoid formation.

To promote better digestive health and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, it’s advisable to maintain good posture on the toilet, limit the time spent on the toilet, avoid straining during bowel movements, and maintain a balanced diet with adequate fiber and hydration.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/phone-toilet-hemorrhoids-8982997/