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The open oval shape of the toilet seat applies pressure on the hips, while gravity pulls the lower body downward, leading to reduced blood circulation
Individuals engrossed in their phones on the toilet often lose track of time, straining their muscles while attempting to defecate. (Representative/AP File)
It’s undeniable that using mobile phones and gadgets in the toilet has become a common habit. Many spend extended periods on their devices while answering nature’s call. However, a new study highlights doctors’ warnings against this habit, urging people to leave their gadgets outside the bathroom.
This habit often extends the usual three to five minutes spent in the toilet to 15 minutes or more, as individuals become engrossed in scrolling through news, social media, and various online content.
According to a CNN report, experts have caution against prolonged toilet sitting, citing potential health risks. Dr. Lai Zhu, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas said that such a habit can increase the risk of haemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles.
“When patients consult me with complaints, a thorough analysis often reveals that excessive time spent in the toilet contributes to their issues,” Dr. Zhu observed. A recent study further suggests that frequent bowel movements can also be detrimental.
Dr. Farah Monzur, Assistant Professor and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine, Long Island, New York, recommended limiting toilet time to an average of 5 to 10 minutes.
Consequences of prolonged toilet sitting
Extended toilet sitting can lead to various problems due to scientific reasons. The open oval shape of the toilet seat exerts pressure on the hips, while gravity pulls the lower body downwards. This increased pressure affects blood circulation.
Consequently, veins and blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum enlarge and fill with blood, elevating the risk of haemorrhoids.
Forced straining further exacerbates the pressure on haemorrhoids. Individuals engrossed in their phones on the toilet often lose track of time, straining their muscles while attempting to defecate. The study indicates that this behaviour is detrimental to anal-rectal organs and the pelvic area.
Besides weakened anal muscles and forced straining, prolonged toilet sitting can also increase the risk of rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum protrudes out of the anus.
Pelvic floor muscles, responsible for regulating bowel movements, are also adversely affected. Continuous sitting increases gravitational pressure on these muscles, weakening them over time.
Dr. Lance Uradomo, an interventional gastroenterologist in California, advised against bringing phones, magazines, and books into the bathroom. Even reading newspapers on the toilet is discouraged, he said adding that minimising time spent on the toilet bowl is crucial.
Take a short walk instead
If defecation is proving difficult, the study recommends stopping after 10 minutes and taking a short walk. Movement can stimulate intestinal muscles and aid bowel movements. Staying hydrated and consuming high-fibre foods like oats and beans are also recommended for regular bowel movements and reduced straining.
Water and fibre intake
The National Academy of Medicine recommends a daily water intake of 2.7 to 3.7 litres. The US Department of Agriculture suggests 14 grams of fibre per 1,000 calories consumed. Fibre and water soften stool, facilitating easier passage.
Symptoms of underlying conditions
Some situations necessitate longer toilet visits. Persistent difficulty or discomfort during bowel movements can indicate gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
Potential cancer risk
Worsening constipation or prolonged toilet sitting can also be a sign of cancer. “If a growth inside the colon becomes large enough, it can obstruct stool flow, causing constipation and bleeding,” the study explained. The colon, responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from food, can develop cancerous growths.
Colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger individuals. The American Cancer Society reports a rise in colorectal cancer rates among those under 55 since the mid-1990s. The organisation estimates 106,590 new colon cancer cases and 46,220 new rectal cancer cases this year. Many young people initially attributing their symptoms to haemorrhoids and constipation were later diagnosed with rectal cancer.
Consulting a doctor is crucial if constipation persists or toilet visits keep exceeding for three weeks. Depending on the severity, a referral to a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon for further examination may be necessary.
