Introduction

For most of us, the bathroom has become a second home in our digital lives. Swiping through social media, messaging back, or watching videos while sitting on the toilet has become second nature. But what appears to be harmless might be compromising your health at a very high price.

Medical experts are alarmed at the number of cases involving hemorrhoids and anal fistulas, which are conditions linked with prolonged sitting on the toilet seat. Although diet, water intake, and exercise each have significant implications for gastrointestinal functioning, studies now suggest that prolonged phone use on the toilet could be one of the primary causes of such agonizing illness.

In this blog, we will discuss the risks of prolonged toilet time, how it contributes to hemorrhoids and other anal conditions, and what you can do to avoid these health dangers.

Why Do People Bring Their Phones to the Bathroom?

Let's first see why people take their phones into the bathroom in the first place.

• Entertainment and Diversion – For some, the bathroom is a place where they unwind, watch the news, or escape boredom.
• Multi-tasking – Others use bathroom time to read emails, answer messages, or even answer phone calls.
• Development of Habits- With time, picking up the phone has become an automatic movement while approaching the restroom.
• Shunning Social Contact – To some, the bathroom is a refuge from social contact for a limited amount of time.
• Perceived Efficiency – Many believe they are making productive use of their time by handling tasks while using the toilet.

While these reasons may seem harmless, the physical consequences of excessive toilet time can be far from trivial.

How Does Prolonged Toilet Sitting Cause Hemorrhoids and Anal Fistulas?

The human body is not meant to sit on a toilet seat for long. Compared to sitting on a normal chair, sitting on a toilet applies unnecessary pressure to the rectal veins, resulting in inflammation and severe medical issues.

1. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids arise when the rectal and anal veins become swollen as a result of too much pressure. This condition may result in:

• Pain and discomfort
• Itching and irritation
• Swelling near the anus
• Bleeding during defecation

Prolonged periods on the toilet make people more prone to hemorrhoids as gravity and seated pressure stop the proper circulation of the blood, making the veins congested.

2. Anal Fistulas

Anal fistulas are infected tracts that develop between the anus and the overlying skin, usually due to untreated abscesses. They may produce:

• Chronic pain
• Swelling and discharge of pus
• Inability to sit comfortably

Prolonged toilet time leads to fistula development by exposing bacteria and straining.

3. Interrupted Bowel Movements

Excessive toilet sitting breaks the normal urge to have a bowel movement, leading to irregular bowel habits. This leads to constipation and straining, which in turn increases the possibility of anal disorders.

Other Health Risks

Apart from hemorrhoids and anal fistulas, long-term sitting on the toilet has other serious risks:

• Greater Risk of Constipation: Repeatedly holding back bowel movements with your attention on your phone may cause chronic constipation, stiffening stools and making them more difficult to pass.
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Holding onto the toilet for an extended period of time weakens pelvic floor muscles, which in turn can lead to urinary incontinence and bowel control issues in the long run.
• Bacterial Infections: Your mobile phone is one of the filthiest things you own. Using it in the bathroom maximizes contact with destructive bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause infections.
• Harm to Posture: Crouching over your phone when sitting on the toilet can pull on your neck and spine and cause long-term posture issues.

How to Break the Habit and Keep Your Health Safe

Now that you are aware of the risks, here's how to make healthier choices:

• Set a Time Limit: Attempt to keep bathroom time to 5-10 minutes. If you're sitting for longer, chances are you're wasting time doing unnecessary things.
• Leave Your Phone Behind: The simplest way to end the habit is by not carrying your phone into the bathroom. Just leave it outside the bathroom or in some other room.
• Practice Efficient Bowel Movements: Go when you must – Don't repress bowel movements.
• Eat Fiber-Rich Food: Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods to promote regularity.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water every day to loosen stools and ease digestion.
• Enhance Toilet Posture: Utilizing a squatty position or a small stool at your feet will assist in assuming a more natural squatting position, minimizing pressure on the rectal area.
• Maintain Personal Hygiene: Do not put your phone on bathroom surfaces, and wash your hands thoroughly every time to avoid bacterial contamination.
• Be Physically Active: Exercise regularly to enhance digestion, avoid constipation, and minimize the risk of hemorrhoids and other complications.

Final Thoughts

Your bathroom is not a living room, and your phone should not be your bathroom friend. Regular sitting, combined with too much phone use, greatly raises the risk of hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, and other gastrointestinal issues. Shaking this habit will require some effort, but taking care of your health over a few extra minutes of scrolling is worth it.

So, the next time you grab your phone in the bathroom, ask yourself: Is it worth the risk?

If you are in any of the situations like hemorrhoids or other gastrointestinal problems, you can book a free consultation with iThrive. At iThrive we help you reverse chronic diseases with a functional nutrition approach by treating the root causes of your issues with the right diet, supplementation, and personalised care.