Doctors Warn Prolonged Toilet Sitting Increases Risk of Hemorrhoids and Pelvic Floor Weakness

Doctors caution that sitting on the toilet for more than 10 minutes, especially while using a phone, can significantly raise the risk of developing hemorrhoids and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. This habit often leads to prolonged straining during bowel movements, which increases pressure on blood vessels in the area. The distraction of phones can cause people to lose track of time and remain seated longer than necessary.

Beyond hemorrhoids, extended and repeated toilet sitting may weaken pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for bowel control. In severe cases, it can increase the risk of rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum descends and may protrude through the anus. To reduce these risks, doctors recommend leaving phones and other distractions outside the bathroom and limiting toilet time to about 10 minutes. If bowel movements do not occur within this time, it is advised to get up, move around, and try again later.

Adequate hydration and a fiber-rich diet, including foods like oats and legumes, are also important to soften stool and reduce straining. Persistent constipation or prolonged toilet sitting lasting more than three weeks should prompt medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as bleeding, as these could indicate serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

In summary, medical experts emphasize that the bathroom is not a place for extended phone use or leisure, and keeping toilet time brief helps maintain bowel and pelvic health.