Spending more than 10 minutes in the bathroom? The frightening danger lurking for you
Doctors warn that sitting on the toilet for more than 10 minutes, especially with a phone, may increase the risk of hemorrhoids and weaken the pelvic floor. The recommendation: if you haven't succeeded, get up and try again later.
Many people use their time in the bathroom to check messages, read the news, or scroll through social media. However, doctors warn that this seemingly innocent habit can significantly extend the time spent sitting on the toilet, thereby increasing the risk of hemorrhoids and even weakening the pelvic floor muscles.
Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, recommends limiting time on the toilet to just five to ten minutes. According to colorectal surgeon Dr. Lai Xue, prolonged sitting in this position can affect blood flow. The combination of gravity and the pressure exerted while sitting causes blood to pool in the vessels of the anal and rectal area, leading to swelling.
The phone makes us lose track of time
The risk increases further when prolonged sitting is accompanied by repeated straining. Straining increases pressure on the blood vessels in the area, while using a phone can cause a person to lose track of time and remain in the bathroom far longer than necessary.
The problem is not limited to hemorrhoids. According to doctors, prolonged and repeated sitting can over time weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which play a significant role in the function of the digestive system. In some cases, it may even increase the risk of rectal prolapse—a condition where part of the rectum descends and may protrude through the anus.
To reduce the risk, doctors recommend leaving the phone, books, and other entertainment media outside the bathroom. If a bowel movement has not occurred within about ten minutes, the recommendation is not to continue sitting and straining, but to get up, leave the bathroom, and walk around a bit. Light physical activity may help stimulate bowel activity and allow you to try again later.
Drinking and nutrition also play an important role. Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oatmeal and legumes, can soften the stool and reduce the need for straining.
When should you seek an examination?
Doctors emphasize that persistent difficulty with bowel movements or worsening constipation are not always just the result of dietary habits or prolonged sitting. In some cases, they may indicate a medical problem in the digestive system, and in rarer cases, even serious diseases such as colorectal cancer.
If constipation or the need to spend a long time in the bathroom lasts for more than three weeks, it is recommended to see a doctor for an examination—especially if accompanied by other symptoms, including bleeding.
Bottom line, the doctors' message is simple: the bathroom is not the place for prolonged scrolling on the phone. Five to ten minutes should be enough.
