Screen time can arise in surprising locations, including the restroom. A recent study suggests that engaging in this activity there might entail more risks than just a germ-laden device.

Published in PLOS One, the research established a connection between smartphone usage while on the toilet and an elevated risk of hemorrhoids. (If you’re reading this on the toilet, you may want to put your device down until you’re done.)

Before this study, researchers had anecdotal claims hinting that scrolling on the toilet could be linked to hemorrhoids, but they were lacking solid proof.

To investigate this further, researchers performed a cross-sectional survey involving 125 adult patients aged 45 and older who underwent colonoscopies. More than 40 percent were diagnosed with hemorrhoids as indicated by their colonoscopy findings. Among the participants, over two-thirds reported using a smartphone while on the toilet.

Unsurprisingly, those who engaged in scrolling in the restroom indicated spending significantly more time there than those who did not — averaging over five minutes per visit.

After adjusting for variables such as age, gender, physical activity, dietary fiber, and straining, researchers discovered that smartphone usage on the toilet correlated with a 46 percent heightened risk of hemorrhoids.

While the study didn’t establish a direct causal relationship between toilet scrolling and hemorrhoids, co-author Dr. Trisha Pasricha informed Mashable that it sheds light on an area that hasn’t been thoroughly examined. Pasricha, who is a physician and director at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Institute for Gut-Brain Research, emphasized that this is the first study to address this topic.

Pasricha noted that just as specialists warn against taking smartphones to bed due to potential negative effects on health, similar guidance could be applicable to scrolling while on the toilet.

“I believe we should start advocating more strongly for people to ‘leave their smartphones outside the restroom.’

Reasons for toilet scrolling — and how to stop it

More than half of the study participants reported that their primary activity while scrolling was checking the news, whereas 44 percent used social media.

Pasricha, who treats patients with hemorrhoids, recognizes the reasons individuals use phones in the restroom. This behavior can help some people relax, facilitating bowel movements.

Reading traditional materials such as newspapers and books has long been a common activity in the bathroom. However, Pasricha mentioned that smartphones promote endless scrolling, which can become an issue.

“The smartphone isn’t the solution, as it is designed to distract you and make you lose track of time,” Pasricha stated.

She added that sitting unsupported over a toilet for long periods may strain the connective tissue surrounding the veins in the rectum, which might lead to hemorrhoids.

If reading in the restroom helps you to unwind, Pasricha recommends opting for paper-based options like newspapers, magazines, or comic books.

She also advises individuals who suspect they may have hemorrhoids to seek medical advice promptly. It’s important for a physician to evaluate the condition to determine if it is indeed a hemorrhoid rather than a skin tag or cancerous growth.

“Many suffer in silence because it’s an embarrassing issue with some stigma attached,” Pasricha remarked. “It’s a real shame considering it’s something that can often be treated quite easily.”