Health professionals are cautioning against the habit of spending prolonged periods on the toilet, a behavior that has become more common with the rise of phone use during bathroom visits. While it may seem like a harmless way to pass time, doctors say that sitting for extended periods on the toilet could result in severe health complications, including hemorrhoids, pelvic muscle weakening, and even more serious gastrointestinal conditions.
Many individuals carry their phones into the bathroom, inadvertently turning a quick bathroom break into a 15-minute scroll session. However, health experts advise limiting toilet time to no more than 10 minutes to avoid the risk of developing health issues.
Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, has noted that a significant number of patients with bathroom-related health complaints often have one common behavior: extended periods spent sitting on the toilet. “When patients present with complaints, one of the main areas we delve into is the time they spend sitting on the toilet,” Dr. Xue told CNN.
The seated position on the toilet places the body at a disadvantage, according to Dr. Xue. Gravity plays a role in this, as it makes it harder for blood to circulate back to the heart, straining the circulatory system. Additionally, the toilet’s shape, which keeps the rectum lower than it would be in a regular seated position, exacerbates the pressure on the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of conditions like rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids.
“Extended sitting can create a one-way valve where blood enters but struggles to flow back,” Dr. Xue explained. This poor circulation can cause swollen blood vessels in the rectal area, further aggravating issues like hemorrhoids. Moreover, prolonged sitting encourages unnecessary straining, which can make these conditions worse.
Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor and director at Stony Brook Medicine in New York, emphasizes the risks of losing track of time while on the toilet, especially when distracted by phones or other digital devices. “People scrolling on their phones tend to forget how long they’ve been sitting, which can lead to straining and added pressure on the pelvic muscles,” she warned.
Experts agree that it’s best to make bathroom visits brief and distraction-free. Dr. Lance Uradomo, an interventional gastroenterologist at City of Hope in California, advises leaving phones, books, and magazines outside the bathroom. “The goal is to make sitting on the toilet as uninteresting as possible,” Dr. Monzur added. Keeping the experience brief and focused on the task at hand can help prevent strain and unnecessary pressure on the body.
For individuals struggling with irregular bowel movements, Dr. Xue suggests that it’s better to leave the toilet after 10 minutes. Instead of prolonging the bathroom session, he recommends regular movement, hydration, and a high-fiber diet to promote digestive health without additional strain.
In some cases, chronic bathroom visits may indicate underlying health issues. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or even colon cancer can manifest as persistent constipation and long toilet sessions. Dr. Uradomo explained that large growths in the colon could obstruct the flow of stool, leading to constipation and bleeding.
If prolonged constipation or extended toilet visits persist for more than three weeks, Dr. Monzur advises seeking medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to more severe complications if an underlying health issue is at play.
While a few extra minutes on the toilet might seem inconsequential, health experts stress the importance of being mindful of time spent seated in the bathroom. By keeping visits brief and avoiding distractions, individuals can reduce the risk of long-term health problems like hemorrhoids, pelvic muscle strain, and digestive disorders. A balanced diet, regular hydration, and movement can further enhance bowel health and prevent unnecessary strain.
