The invention of mobile phones has revolutionized communication, making it faster and more convenient. However, a growing body of research indicates that smartphones may also contribute to several health risks, including hemorrhoids.
A recent study highlights that using a mobile phone while sitting on the toilet can increase the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids, medically referred to as piles, occur when veins in the rectum or anus swell due to excessive pressure. Common causes include pregnancy, obesity, prolonged sitting, and straining during bowel movements. Swelling in these veins can lead to severe pain, itching, and rectal bleeding.
Many people spend considerable time checking emails, reading news, or scrolling through social media while on the toilet. According to the study, individuals who use smartphones in the bathroom have a 46 percent higher risk of developing hemorrhoids compared to those who do not engage in this behavior. Researchers suggest that prolonged toilet sessions caused by smartphone use increase pressure on the anal region, which is a primary factor in the development of hemorrhoids.
The research was conducted at Beit Israel Deaconess Medical Center, involving 125 participants undergoing colonoscopy. Among these individuals, 43 percent were diagnosed with hemorrhoids. Of those affected, 66 percent reported using smartphones while on the toilet, with the most common activities being browsing social media and reading news.
The study underscores the challenge of time perception while using smartphones. Users often lose track of time, resulting in prolonged periods on the toilet, which increases pressure on the rectal veins. The more time spent seated in this position, the higher the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids over time.
Based on these findings, health experts recommend limiting mobile phone use in the bathroom. They advise that toilet visits should be brief, ideally just a few minutes, to reduce undue pressure on the anus and rectum. Avoiding distractions such as reading, gaming, or browsing social media while on the toilet can significantly lower the risk of hemorrhoid development.
Hemorrhoids are a common condition worldwide and can affect people of all ages. They often begin as mild discomfort but can progress to painful swelling and bleeding, requiring medical treatment. Preventive measures, such as shortening toilet sessions, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and ensuring a fiber-rich diet, are essential to reducing the risk.
In addition to personal habits, experts emphasize the importance of awareness. Many individuals are unaware that their smartphone use during bowel movements may be contributing to this medical condition. Simple lifestyle changes, such as leaving the phone outside the bathroom, can make a noticeable difference in long-term anal health.
The findings of this study highlight a modern health risk associated with technology use, particularly as smartphones become increasingly integrated into daily routines. While mobile devices offer convenience and entertainment, excessive use in specific situations—like the bathroom—can have unintended consequences.
In conclusion, using a smartphone while on the toilet is linked to a higher risk of hemorrhoids due to extended sitting and increased anal pressure. Limiting phone use in the bathroom, monitoring the duration of toilet sessions, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices can help reduce the prevalence of hemorrhoids. Awareness and behavioral adjustments are key to preventing this common yet uncomfortable condition.
By addressing this issue, individuals can continue enjoying the benefits of mobile technology while minimizing its potential health risks, particularly concerning bowel and anal health
