Scrolling through social media on your phone is an easy way to pass the time while sitting on the toilet. But scientists have warned that it may significantly increase the risk of suffering from unpleasant symptoms.
A US study found that people who used their smartphone on the toilet were 46% more likely to suffer from piles. Also known as haemorrhoids, piles are painful lumps caused by swollen blood vessels around the bottom.
The research, published in the journal PLOS One, involved 125 people who were questioned about their lifestyle and bathroom habits before undergoing screening colonoscopies.
Two thirds admitted to using their smartphones on the toilet, with higher rates of loo-scrolling among younger participants.
The researchers theorised that smartphone use may prolong the time people spent sitting on the toilet, potentially increasing pressure on tissues and leading to haemorrhoids.
Senior author Trisha Pasricha said: “This study bolsters advice to people in general to leave the smartphones outside the bathroom and to try to spend no more than a few minutes to have a bowel movement.
“If it’s taking longer, ask yourself why. Was it because having a bowel movement was really so difficult, or was it because my focus was elsewhere?
“It’s incredibly easy to lose track of time when we’re scrolling on our smartphones — popular apps are designed entirely for that purpose.
“But it’s possible that constantly sitting longer on the toilet than you intended because you’re distracted by your smartphone could increase your risk of haemorrhoids.
“We need to study this further, but it’s a safe suggestion to leave the smartphone outside the bathroom when you need to have a bowel movement.”