Many people tend to bring their smartphones into the restroom, inadvertently transforming a brief visit into an extended period of scrolling. Health experts are now cautioning that excessive time spent on the toilet can lead to significant health issues.
Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, notes that prolonged sitting on the toilet increases pressure on the veins and blood vessels surrounding the anus, heightening the risk of hemorrhoids. “When patients express concerns, one of the first factors we assess is their toilet time,” Dr. Xue stated.
Extended sitting can also exert pressure on the pelvic region, potentially resulting in complications such as weakened anal muscles and pelvic floor dysfunction. Dr. Xue elaborates that the design of the toilet seat, which is open and oval, compresses the buttocks and can lower the position of the rectum.
This downward pull from gravity restricts blood circulation, thereby increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids. “It creates a one-way valve effect, allowing blood to enter but making it difficult for it to return,” Dr. Xue explained.
Distractions from smartphones often lead individuals to spend more time on the toilet than they realize, which can strain muscles and weaken the pelvic floor. Dr. Monzur warns that this extended sitting may also elevate the risk of rectal prolapse, a condition where a portion of the large intestine descends and protrudes through the anus.
The American Cancer Society has recently noted a rise in colorectal cancer rates among individuals under 55, underscoring the need to be mindful of bathroom habits.
Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor of medicine and the director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine in Long Island, New York, advises that individuals should limit their time spent on the toilet to approximately five to ten minutes.
Many people often take their smartphones into the restroom, unintentionally turning a quick visit into a prolonged session of scrolling. Health professionals are now warning that excessive time on the toilet can lead to serious health concerns.
Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, points out that extended sitting on the toilet increases pressure on the veins and blood vessels around the anus, raising the risk of hemorrhoids. “When patients voice their concerns, one of the first aspects we evaluate is their toilet duration,” Dr. Xue remarked.
Prolonged sitting can also place pressure on the pelvic area, potentially leading to issues such as weakened anal muscles and pelvic floor dysfunction. Dr. Xue explains that the shape of the toilet seat, which is open and oval, compresses the buttocks and can lower the rectum's position. This gravitational pull restricts blood flow, thereby increasing the chances of developing hemorrhoids. “It creates a one-way valve effect, allowing blood to enter but making it difficult for it to return,” Dr. Xue added.
Distractions from smartphones often cause individuals to spend more time on the toilet than they realize, which can strain muscles and weaken the pelvic floor. Dr. Monzur cautions that this prolonged sitting may also increase the risk of rectal prolapse, a condition in which a segment of the large intestine descends and protrudes through the anus.
The American Cancer Society has recently reported a rise in colorectal cancer rates among individuals under 55, highlighting the importance of being mindful of bathroom habits.