Research warns about the risks of using your smartphone in the bathroom

Health & FitnessLifestyle
4 Sep 2025 • 6:25 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • New research indicates that using a smartphone while on the toilet is associated with a 46 percent increased risk of developing hemorrhoids.
  • This heightened risk is primarily due to individuals spending significantly longer periods on the toilet, often five times more than non-smartphone users, which can lead to prolonged pressure on anal tissues.
  • Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting a substantial number of people, particularly those over 50, and account for millions of medical visits and significant healthcare expenditure annually.
  • Experts recommend leaving smartphones outside the bathroom and limiting toilet time to just a few minutes to mitigate the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
  • Prevention strategies include staying hydrated, consuming adequate fiber, and avoiding extended periods of sitting on the toilet, especially while distracted by a phone.

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