Taking your phone into the bathroom may seem harmless, but the bigger concern is how much longer it can make you sit on the toilet. A 2025 study published in PLOS One examined 125 adults and found that people who used smartphones on the toilet were significantly more likely to spend longer there. In the study, smartphone use was associated with a 46% higher prevalence of hemorrhoids, even after researchers adjusted for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, exercise, straining, and fiber intake. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the anus and rectum, and prolonged sitting on the toilet can increase pressure in this area. The phone itself may not be directly damaging your body; rather, scrolling can make you lose track of time and remain seated longer than necessary.
Another issue is posture and distraction. People absorbed in their phones may lean forward, relax their normal bathroom routine, and remain seated even after they have finished. Researchers found that phone users in the study were much more likely to spend more than five minutes on the toilet. Prolonged toilet sitting is already considered a potential contributor to hemorrhoid problems, particularly when combined with constipation or straining. Other factors—including a low-fiber diet, chronic diarrhea or constipation, pregnancy, and obesity—can also contribute, so phone use should not be treated as the only cause. There is also a basic hygiene concern: phones are frequently touched and can pick up microorganisms in bathroom environments, making regular handwashing and device cleaning sensible precautions.
The simplest solution is surprisingly easy: leave your phone outside the bathroom and keep toilet visits focused and reasonably brief. Avoid unnecessary straining, maintain adequate dietary fiber and fluids, and don’t sit on the toilet simply to finish scrolling through social media or watching videos. If you develop rectal bleeding, persistent pain, significant swelling, or recurring hemorrhoid symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional rather than assuming the problem is caused only by your phone. Importantly, the 2025 research was observational and involved a relatively small group, so it shows an association rather than proving that smartphones directly cause hemorrhoids. Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The relationship between smartphone use, prolonged toilet sitting, and hemorrhoids requires further research. Always verify health information through reliable scientific and medical sources and consult a qualified healthcare professional about persistent or concerning symptoms.
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