Are you sitting on the toilet too long?
You might even be doing it right now.
A report from NordVPN found that about 65% of survey respondents said they used their phone while sitting on the toilet – nearly 71% in the U.S.
And while scrolling endlessly on the phone can be a way to pass the time, it also might extend your time on the toilet unnecessarily.
Doing so can be bad for your health.
“There is no greater influence on the development of internal and external hemorrhoids than spending a lot of time on the toilet,” says Dr. Andrew Albert, medical director of digestive health and a gastroenterologist at Advocate Health Care.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can cause itching, pain and bleeding. The position you’re in while seated on the toilet can cause increased pressure that can cause hemorrhoids, especially if you’re in that position for a long time.
“With increased TikTok scrolling could come greater hemorrhoid development,” Dr. Albert says.
A doctor can help you understand if hemorrhoid symptoms you have can be dealt with at home or require further treatment.
Are you trying to find a doctor? Look here if you live in Illinois. Look here if you live in Wisconsin.
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About the Author
Mike Riopell, health enews contributor, is a media relations coordinator with Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He previously worked as a reporter and editor covering politics and government for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Bloomington Pantagraph, among others. He enjoys bicycles, home repair, flannel shirts and being outside.
Those of us of a certain age will remember our dads taking the newspaper and staying on the throne for up to an hour. Scrolling is merely the 21st century equivalent. Personally, I can’t leave a toilet fast enough!
This is why you should never buy a used phone…
I like this.