TV doctor Amir Khan has warned that spending too long on the toilet can have negative effects on your health, even if it seems fairly harmless. In a video on TikTok, he said: "Do you know someone who spends far too long on the toilet? I think we all do. Well, send them this video to see if it gets them out quicker."
Health risks of prolonged toilet sitting
Dr Khan, who regularly appears on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, explained that a relaxed slouch position puts extra pressure on rectal veins, which can increase the risk of haemorrhoids or worsen existing ones. He added that sitting for extended periods on a hard toilet seat can reduce blood flow to the lower body, leading to numbness or tingling in the legs and, in the long run, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
Straining for long periods can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to difficulty passing stool over time. Dr Khan also noted that sitting for too long can reduce blood flow to the legs, cause sweat and bacteria to build up, and irritate hair follicles, which can cause inflamed or infected ingrowing hairs. Spending too long in a public bathroom can also increase exposure to bacteria, especially if you use your phone while there.
Recommended toilet time
Dr Khan advised limiting time on the toilet to five to ten minutes per visit. He said: "Avoid straining. If nothing happens naturally, try again later. Sometimes putting a footstool to elevate your feet can improve posture making, it easier to pass motions. And always stay hydrated and stay active, keep your phone out of the bathroom, and make sure you wash your hands every time you visit the bathroom."
His advice is backed by gastroenterologists, who generally recommend that each visit to the toilet should take no more than five minutes. Rockford Yapp, MD, a gastroenterologist at GI Partners of Illinois, as reported by Verywell Health, said: "A healthy bowel movement should occur without significant difficulty, discomfort, or prolonged effort. Rather than focusing on a specific number of minutes, it’s more important to pay attention to whether stool is easy to pass and whether you feel you’ve completely emptied your bowels afterward."
Experts also advise against taking your phone to the bathroom, as this can encourage spending more time on the toilet, potentially exacerbating problems. If you are concerned about any aspect of your toilet habits, speak to your GP.
