Trending: Digital Habits Under Scrutiny
In an era where smartphones are constant companions, a new study has raised alarms about their impact on health in an unexpected place: the bathroom. Research published on September 3, 2025, in the open-access journal PLOS One reveals that using a smartphone while on the toilet increases the risk of hemorrhoids by nearly 50%. This finding, resonating across US health discussions, underscores the unintended consequences of prolonged digital distractions and has sparked calls for smarter bathroom habits.
The Study: A Closer Look at Toilet Tech
Conducted by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the study surveyed 125 adults aged 45 and older undergoing routine colonoscopies. Participants answered questions about their lifestyle, including toilet habits and smartphone use, while gastroenterologists visually confirmed the presence of hemorrhoids during examinations. The results were striking: 66% of participants reported using their phones on the toilet, primarily for scrolling news or social media, and these individuals faced a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids compared to non-users, even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), fiber intake, exercise, and straining.
The key driver? Time spent sitting. Smartphone users were found to linger on the toilet significantly longer, with 37.3% spending over five minutes per visit compared to just 7.1% of non-users. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the rectal and anal veins, leading to swelling and inflammation, which manifests as hemorrhoids—swollen veins that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Notably, the study found no significant link between straining during bowel movements and hemorrhoid risk, challenging conventional wisdom.
“We’re still uncovering the many ways smartphones impact our health,” said Dr. Trisha Pasricha, the study’s senior author and a gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “It’s possible that how and where we use them—such as while in the bathroom—can have unintended consequences.”
Background: Why Hemorrhoids Matter
Hemorrhoids are a common but often stigmatized condition, affecting nearly half of adults by age 50, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. In the US, they account for approximately 4 million doctor and emergency room visits annually, costing over $800 million in healthcare spending. Risk factors include prolonged sitting, low-fiber diets, obesity, and pregnancy, but the new study highlights smartphone use as an emerging contributor, particularly among younger adults in their 40s and 50s, who are more likely to bring devices into the bathroom.
The rise of smartphone-driven distractions has transformed toilet habits. Unlike the casual newspaper reading of past decades, modern apps are designed to captivate, making it easy to lose track of time. “They’re completely consuming in ways that weren’t true for the casual bathroom reader in the ‘80s,” Dr. Pasricha noted. This prolonged engagement, coupled with the lack of pelvic support on an open toilet bowl, exacerbates strain on rectal tissues, potentially worsening conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction.
Health and Hygiene Concerns Beyond Hemorrhoids
The study also raises hygiene concerns. Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, an inflammatory bowel disorder specialist at Johns Hopkins University, called bringing phones into bathrooms “kind of gross,” citing the risk of bacterial contamination. Beyond physical health, excessive smartphone use is linked to broader issues like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and neck pain, per a 2025 report from The Healthy. These findings align with growing public health campaigns urging Americans to rethink digital habits in private spaces.
Next Steps: Protecting Your Health
Experts recommend limiting toilet sessions to five minutes or less to reduce hemorrhoid risk. Practical steps include leaving smartphones outside the bathroom or setting a timer to avoid lingering. “If the magic isn’t happening within a few minutes, get up and move on,” advised Dr. Chesan Ramprasad, a gastroenterologist at Harvard Medical School. Dietary changes, like increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can also promote regular bowel movements, reducing the need for extended toilet time, per Cleveland Clinic recommendations.
For those already experiencing symptoms, over-the-counter treatments like hydrocortisone creams or sitz baths may help, but persistent issues warrant a doctor’s visit. The study’s researchers call for further investigation to confirm causation and explore preventive measures, given the widespread use of smartphones.
Conclusion: A Call to Disconnect
The link between toilet smartphone use and a nearly 50% higher hemorrhoid risk serves as a wake-up call for Americans glued to their screens. By prioritizing brevity in bathroom routines and leaving devices behind, individuals can protect their health while curbing digital overreach. The takeaway is simple: in 2025, disconnecting in the bathroom might just save you from a painful and costly condition.