If you often find yourself scrolling through your phone while sat on the loo, you may want to reconsider your choice of bathroom entertainment.
A new study has revealed that those who take their phone to the toilet are 46% more likely to get haemorrhoids — and have issued guidance to help people reduce their risk.
‘Set a two TikTok limit,’ said Dr Trisha Pasricha,gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
‘What you shouldn’t be doing is getting so trapped in this cycle of scrolling and watching TikTok that you lose track of why you came here in the first place… If the magic hasn’t happened within five minutes, you should get up and go. Take a breather and come back.’
Dr Pasricha warned that social media apps are designed to ‘make you lose track of time’, and although our pre-TikTok ancestors busied themselves with newspapers or books, ‘it wasn’t distracting to the same level.’
Explaining how prolonged bathroom breaks can lead to piles, she added: ‘If you’re just hanging out there in the open, this passive pressure will eventually, over time, cause the connective tissue to weaken and cause those veins to engorge.’
Gastroenterologist Dr Sethi previously advised against the common habit on TikTok, claiming it could lead to ‘serious consequences’ in the long-run.
The Harvard and Stanford-trained stomach doctor said that while it may ‘seem harmless to scroll through your social media feed or answer some emails’ while on the enamel throne, it’s actually anything but.
‘First, using your phone while doing a number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,’ explained Dr Sethi. ‘This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and even rectal prolapse.’
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, can cause itchy lumps, bright red blood or mucus in poo, and the feeling that you still need to go even after you’ve emptied your bowels. Anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of your anus, tend to be accompanied by fresh blood and sharp pain during or after you poo.
Rectal prolapse, when part of the large intestine drops into the anus, is less common than these conditions but shares many of the same symptoms as piles. Unlike hemorrhoids or anal fissures, however, it’s chronic and progressive, meaning it won’t go away on its own.
If you’re experiencing any problems with your bowel movements, it’s a good idea to see a doctor alongside adopting healthier toilet habits like ditching tech.
Do you use your phone while on the toilet?
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Always
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No way
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Sometimes
Dr Sethi noted that germs are another issue with scrolling on the loo, as the bathroom can be ‘a breeding ground for bacteria’ and ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat.’
Previous research revealed that half of Brits – more than 26.3million adults – are guilty of using their mobile on the lavatory (and that’s just the ones who admit it). Plus, 40% say they’ve dropped a device down the toilet or into the sink.
Hopefully the idea of losing your beloved smartphone to the u-bend is enough to get you to stop taking it with you as you relieve yourself, even if health conditions and bacteria don’t convince you.
For those that still can’t tear themselves away, though, Dr Sethi advised: ‘At least have a disinfectant wipe around to clean the phone after you’re done with the business.’
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