By Abigail Philip David
Many of us are guilty of using our phones while on the toilet, turning a quick bathroom break into an extended session of scrolling and browsing. However, health experts warn that spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet can pose risks to your health.
Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, highlights that prolonged sitting on the toilet can weaken pelvic muscles and increase the risk of haemorrhoids. “When patients come in with complaints, one of the key factors we examine is how much time they spend on the toilet,” Dr. Xue said.
Why You Shouldn’t Linger
Dr. Farah Monzur, assistant professor of medicine at Stony Brook Medicine, advises limiting toilet time to five to 10 minutes. Prolonged sitting, she explains, affects circulation due to gravity pulling blood downward. This increased pressure can lead to swelling and straining in the rectal area, which may cause haemorrhoids.
Unlike sitting on a chair, a toilet seat’s design compresses the buttocks, keeping the rectum lower and exacerbating the effects of gravity. “It becomes a one-way valve where blood enters but struggles to flow back out,” Dr. Xue explained, adding that this increases the risk of swollen blood vessels and rectal issues.
Physical Strain and Health Risks
Extended toilet sitting can also strain pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for bowel movements. Over time, this strain can lead to weakened anal muscles, rectal prolapse (where part of the large intestine slips out of the anus), and a higher likelihood of requiring straining during defecation.
Using phones or reading materials in the bathroom contributes to losing track of time, further increasing these risks. “We’re seeing more people spend excessive time on the toilet, which is unhealthy for the anorectal organs and pelvic floor,” said Dr. Xue.
Tips for Limiting Time on the Toilet
Dr. Lance Uradomo, a gastroenterologist at City of Hope Orange County, suggests removing distractions like phones and books from the bathroom. “Don’t go in with the mindset that you’ll be there for a while. Make sitting on the toilet as uninteresting as possible,” Dr. Monzur advised.
For those struggling with bowel movements, walking around after a few minutes on the toilet can stimulate gut muscles. Staying hydrated and eating fibre-rich foods like beans and oats can also support regular bowel movements. The National Academy of Medicine recommends drinking 2.7 to 3.7 litres of water daily, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories consumed.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you find yourself consistently needing extended time in the bathroom, it could signal an underlying issue such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or even colorectal cancer.
Dr. Uradomo noted that constipation or prolonged toilet sessions might indicate a growth in the colon that blocks stool passage. This aligns with data from the American Cancer Society, which reports a rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger people since the mid-1990s.
“Patients often come in for haemorrhoids or constipation, only to be diagnosed with rectal cancer,” Dr. Uradomo shared.
If constipation or prolonged sitting persists for more than three weeks, Dr. Monzur recommends consulting a physician. Depending on the symptoms, you may be referred to a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
By being mindful of your time on the toilet and maintaining a healthy diet, you can reduce risks and promote better overall health.
