The use of smartphones has radically transformed our visits to the toilet. According to a study carried out by gastroenterologists from
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center out of 125 adults, two thirds of users no longer separate themselves from their screen, even in private.
Too much scrolling: an explosion in the risk of hemorrhoids
But be careful with this behavior. Because the scientists’ results are clear: spending more than five minutes scrolling on your phone increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids by 46%.
This temporal aspect is the first trap. According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, ““The amount of time spent in the toilet can vary greatly from person to person, but in general, the average time spent in the toilet is about 2-3 minutes for women and less than 2 minutes for men.”
Why is prolonged sitting dangerous?
But be careful: the problem does not come from the screen itself. Indeed, unlike a classic chair, the toilet bowl leaves the center of the pelvic floor without support. It is this anatomical configuration that results in constant and increased pressure on the anorectal tissues. As you sit, your blood vessels dilate.
“Sitting on the toilet after finishing a bowel movement could increase the risk of hemorrhoids and other health problems due to pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins.” confirms Dr. Kierzek. Ultimately, this swelling causes disabling symptoms: itching, burning, severe pain, even bleeding.
Beyond the veins: the perineum and rectum in danger
The impact of this habit is not limited to blood vessels. Prolonged stagnation weakens the entire pelvic area. Some specialists warn against rectal prolapse, an organ descent favored by repeated efforts and excessive sitting.
Dr Gérald Kierzek also specifies the nature of these vessels to better understand the risk. “Hemorrhoids are a network of arterial and venous vessels present normally, at the level of the anal canal. This vascular network is very superficial and frequent complications are the cause of symptoms“. To preserve your perineum, it is advisable to only install it when there is a pressing desire and not to force it unnecessarily.
The prevention recommendations are simple:
- Avoid staying more than 3 to 5 minutes on the bowl;
- Do not take your smartphone or reading material to the toilet;
- Postpone going to the toilet if nothing happens after a few minutes and only go if you feel like it.
How to find a peaceful transit?
To avoid turning your bathroom into a doctor’s office, the first rule is simple: leave your phone outside. If the crisis is already there, a healthy lifestyle remains the best treatment. A diet rich in fiber (25 to 30 grams per day) and hydration with 2 liters of water daily are essential to soften the stools and facilitate passage.
You also need to know when to stop. As Dr Gérald Kierzek advises: “If you sit down and can’t have a bowel movement within this time (5 minutes), get up and try again later.”. In the event of persistent pain, creams and venotonics are available, but a medical consultation remains essential.