Health experts are cautioning against prolonged toilet sessions, especially when people bring their phones into the bathroom. What starts as a brief visit can easily turn into an extended period of phone use, which could lead to several health risks.
Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, explained that staying on the toilet for extended periods can put increased pressure on the veins and blood vessels around the anus, leading to hemorrhoids. “When patients come to me with complaints, we always ask about how much time they spend on the toilet,” Xue said.
Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor at Stony Brook Medicine, recommended that people limit their toilet time to no more than five to 10 minutes. Prolonged sitting can increase pressure on the pelvic area, weakening muscles and potentially causing pelvic floor dysfunction. The toilet seat’s design can also lower the rectum’s position, impeding circulation and further increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. “It becomes a one-way valve where blood enters, but doesn’t flow back,” said Xue.
Many people, distracted by their phones, unintentionally strain their muscles and weaken their pelvic floor. Monzur warned that this could increase the risk of rectal prolapse, where part of the intestine slips down and bulges outside the anus. Additionally, the American Cancer Society has noted rising rates of colorectal cancer in people under 55.
Dr. Lance Uradomo, an interventional gastroenterologist, suggested that people make the bathroom as unappealing as possible to avoid extended sitting. “Don’t go in thinking you’ll be there for a long time,” Monzur added.
Xue recommended getting up and walking around after 10 minutes if a bowel movement hasn’t occurred. Experts also caution that chronic difficulty passing stool could signal gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease. Uradomo warned that persistent symptoms might point to more serious conditions like colorectal cancer, which can obstruct stool passage.
