Spending extended periods on the toilet although scrolling through a smartphone is linked to a 46% increase in the risk of developing hemorrhoids, according to a new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The research, published in PLOS ONE on September 3, 2025, highlights a previously underestimated impact of modern smartphone usage on physical health.
The study involved 125 adults undergoing routine colonoscopies. Researchers found that 66% of participants admitted to using their smartphones while on the toilet, primarily to read news (54%) or browse social media (44%). The average age of smartphone users during bathroom visits was 55, compared to 62 for those who did not use their phones.
A key finding was the significant difference in time spent on the toilet between smartphone users and non-users. 37% of those using their phones remained seated for more than five minutes, compared to just 7.1% of those who did not. This prolonged sitting, researchers say, is a primary contributor to the increased risk of hemorrhoids.
“Applications are deliberately designed to capture and maintain our attention for as long as possible,” explained Trisha Pasricha, the study’s lead author, as reported by Franceinfo. “What should be a brief moment becomes a prolonged session of digital consumption.”
The physiological mechanism behind this connection is rooted in the pressure exerted on the anorectal tissues during prolonged sitting. The position on the toilet bowl reduces support for the pelvic floor, increasing pressure on blood vessels in the anal region. This sustained pressure can lead to the swelling of these vessels, resulting in hemorrhoids, which can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.
Interestingly, the study found that straining during bowel movements did not appear to be a significant factor in the development of hemorrhoids, challenging previously held beliefs. The duration of time spent seated was identified as the more critical element.
The prevalence of hemorrhoids and their associated costs are substantial. In the United States, they account for nearly 4 million medical visits annually, representing a healthcare expenditure exceeding $800 million, according to Medisite.fr. The 46% increase in risk observed among smartphone users, after accounting for factors like age, sex, BMI, physical activity, diet, and constipation, is considered a significant epidemiological finding.
Researchers and medical professionals are now recommending a simple preventative measure: leaving smartphones outside the bathroom. They also emphasize the importance of listening to one’s body and avoiding both ignoring the urge to go and prolonging bathroom visits.
The study underscores a growing awareness of the potential health consequences of our digital habits. As Sciencepost.fr noted, this practice, now nearly universal in the smartphone era, was considered harmless until this research revealed the troubling correlation. The findings suggest a need for a more mindful approach to technology use, potentially including the establishment of “smartphone-free zones” like the bathroom.
