Spending too long on the toilet scrolling through your phone could increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal PLoS One, found that people who use their phones while on the loo are 46 per cent more likely to suffer from the condition.
The study involved 125 adults who underwent a colonoscopy and answered questions about their lifestyle. Two-thirds reported using their phone on the toilet, with younger participants spending longer on the loo. Among phone users, 37 per cent spent more than five minutes per visit, compared to just 7 per cent of non-users.
Professor Peter Whorwell, a consultant gastroenterologist at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, explained that sitting on a toilet seat causes the pelvic floor to sag, increasing blood flow and pressure around the anal veins. 'In theory, that's why the anal cushions become engorged and start leaking blood when straining on the loo,' he said.
However, Professor Sue Clark, a consultant colorectal surgeon at St Mark's Hospital in London, cautioned against oversimplifying the link. 'I think saying that if you use your smartphone on the loo you'll get haemorrhoids is over-simplistic,' she said. She noted that people who take longer in the bathroom may already be constipated, which is a known risk factor for piles.
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, affect about a third of people in the UK at some point. They occur when blood vessels in the anal cushions become swollen, causing bleeding, itching and pain. Treatment typically begins with dietary changes to increase fibre intake and reduce constipation.
