St. Louis, MO, September 2, 2026 — Doctors are raising concerns about a growing trend involving prolonged smartphone use while on the toilet, a habit noted to be prevalent in St. Louis, and its potential link to an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The practice, where individuals spend extended periods seated on the toilet, frequently engaging with their mobile devices, has drawn attention from medical professionals. According to a colorectal surgeon affiliated with the University of Missouri, this behavior can lead to adverse health effects.

The surgeon explained that the core issue lies in the duration of time spent on the toilet. Prolonged sitting, especially when coupled with the distraction of a smartphone, exerts undue pressure on the veins in the rectal and anal areas. This sustained pressure is a contributing factor to the formation and worsening of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, which can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. While the exact timeline for the development of hemorrhoids due to this specific habit was not detailed, the underlying mechanism of increased venous pressure remains a key concern for medical experts.

The prevalence of smartphones has integrated digital devices into many aspects of daily life. However, the trend of using them during bathroom visits highlights how convenience can sometimes intersect with health risks. The advice from medical professionals emphasizes the importance of limiting time spent on the toilet to essential periods, separate from prolonged digital engagement, to mitigate the risk of developing conditions like hemorrhoids.


Story summarized from the original created by Sarah Fentem on www.stlpr.org, see more information here.

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