A recent study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston has uncovered a concerning link between smartphone use in the bathroom and an increased risk of hemorrhoids. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, found that individuals who use their phones while on the toilet face a 46% higher risk of developing the condition, regardless of age, weight, sex, or fiber intake. Researchers surveyed 125 adults undergoing colonoscopies and found that 66% admitted to using phones during bathroom sessions.
Hemorrhoids, which cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding, are commonly associated with prolonged sitting and straining during bowel movements. The study suggests that smartphone use may extend the duration of time spent on the toilet, increasing pressure on rectal veins and contributing to the development of hemorrhoids. According to the researchers, sitting on the toilet without support, as is typical when using a standard toilet, places additional strain on the rectal veins, whereas sitting on a toilet stool, which props up the feet and aligns the body in a natural squatting position, may help reduce straining.
Lead author Dr. Chethan Ramprasad, a gastroenterologist at BIDMC and a member of Harvard Medical School, emphasized that the risk comes from the extended duration of sitting. ‘Whether someone is reading email or playing a game, the risk likely comes from how long they’re sitting,’ he explained. The study’s findings indicate that the passive engagement facilitated by smartphones may lead to prolonged sitting, thereby increasing pressure in the hemorrhoidal cushions.
Researchers also noted that hemorrhoids are among the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, leading nearly 4 million people to seek medical attention each year. While the study highlights the role of smartphone use in increasing risk, it also underscores the need for further long-term research to confirm causality and explore potential prevention strategies. In the meantime, Dr. Ramprasad advises individuals to maintain a mindful approach to bathroom habits. ‘Do what you need to do, then stand up and move on,’ he suggested. ‘Don’t turn the bathroom into a scrolling break.’