Smartphone Use on the Toilet Linked to Higher Hemorrhoid Risk, Study Finds

A cross-sectional study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified a significant association between smartphone use on the toilet and the presence of hemorrhoids, shedding light on an increasingly common behavior with potential gastrointestinal consequences.

Among 125 adults undergoing screening colonoscopy, 66% reported using smartphones while on the toilet. This group was notably younger and engaged in less weekly physical activity than non-users. Importantly, smartphone users also spent more time per toilet visit, often exceeding five minutes.

“Our results suggest that there is an increased prevalence of hemorrhoids among people who use smartphones while sitting on the toilet,” the authors reported. “Prolonged sitting, rather than straining, may be a more accurate predictor of hemorrhoid development.”

Contrary to longstanding assumptions, straining was not independently associated with hemorrhoids in this cohort. No significant differences were found between smartphone users and non-users in reported straining or functional constipation based on Rome IV criteria.

The researchers propose that toilet-specific sitting, lacking pelvic floor support, may increase pressure in the hemorrhoidal cushions. Smartphone use, by encouraging extended and passive engagement, may inadvertently prolong this unsupported sitting time.

“Smartphone users on the toilet were unaware of how much time they were spending, highlighting a disconnect between behavior and perception,” the authors noted.

Given these findings, the study suggests clinicians should advise patients to limit smartphone use on the toilet, ideally keeping seated time under five minutes. The authors recommend future studies to assess the longitudinal impact of this habit and explore behavioral interventions to reduce prolonged toileting.

For gastroenterologists, these findings underscore the value of addressing lifestyle and technology use as part of routine care, especially when evaluating patients with hemorrhoidal symptoms.

Reference
Ramprasad C, Wu C, Chang J, et al. Smartphone use on the toilet and the risk of hemorrhoids. PLoS One. 2025;20(9):e0329983. Published online September 3, 2025. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0329983