Health Risks: An everyday routine hides risks most of us never notice. It starts with a quick scroll and ends with minutes slipping away. What seems harmless in the bathroom may silently harm your health.
A recent expert post shocked many by showing that this tiny habit has bigger consequences than expected. What happens during those extended minutes on the seat might surprise you more than the screen in your hand.
Can Using Mobiles in The Bathroom Increase Health Risks?
Bathroom breaks have become scrolling breaks. Dr. Sethi, a Harvard expert, explained 7 Reasons to Leave Your Phone OFF the Toilet. Do you check your phone in the bathroom or keep it outside? He revealed his advice through a striking Instagram post that caught global attention.
7 Strong Reasons To Avoid Using Mobile Phones Inside The Bathroom
Modern technology has changed bathroom habits completely. Scrolling during toilet time may feel harmless, but it brings damaging effects that people underestimate.
1. Longer Sitting Increases Haemorrhoid Risk Significantly
Bathroom scrolling increases haemorrhoid risk by 46%. Adults who take phones inside are 46% likely to develop haemorrhoids, even when other lifestyle factors are considered.
2. Extended Toilet Time Can Harm the Pelvic Floor
Using phones stretches bathroom time. Nearly 37% of phone users spend more than five minutes compared to only 7.1% without devices, increasing pelvic pressure.
3. Lingering Less Reduces Health Risks Over Time
The shorter you sit, the healthier it gets. Time over five minutes quickly increases haemorrhoid risk beyond the effects of straining alone.
4. No Backup Exists For Weak Pelvic Muscles
The pelvic floor lacks steady support. Unlike chairs, toilets fail to relieve pressure. Extra minutes on the seat put pressure on hemorrhoidal cushions, leading to real discomfort.
5. Apps Are Designed To Trap Your Attention
Social media scrolls stretch minutes unconsciously. Most apps keep the brain hooked, making bathroom breaks longer without awareness, extending harmful exposure.
6. Haemorrhoids Are Painful And Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Haemorrhoids affect 50–66% in a lifetime. They cause nearly 4 million visits in the U.S. yearly, with healthcare costs of over $800 million.
7. Keep Toilet Time Short, Five Minutes Maximum
The healthier bathroom break should end in under five minutes. Experts suggest even a fun tip: a cheeky two-TikTok limit works well.
Limiting bathroom sessions to five minutes or less keeps pelvic muscles healthier long term. Avoiding digital distractions prevents rising toilet health problems.
