Why bringing your phone to the bathroom could be bad for your health
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Many people see the bathroom as a quiet place to scroll, relax, or read the news.
It’s become a common habit to bring our phones along, especially during morning routines or evening wind-downs.
But a new study suggests this habit might be doing more harm than we realize.
Beyond the risk to your phone, extended screen time in the bathroom may be linked to an increase in hemorrhoids—and exposure to germs.
Experts are now urging people to think twice before mixing their screen time with bathroom breaks.
How phone use affects your body on the toilet
A new study led by Dr. Trisha Pasricha of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a strong connection between lingering on the toilet and the development of hemorrhoids.
The problem isn't the phone itself, but the extra time spent sitting, which puts added pressure on the veins in the rectum.
Toilet seats offer no pelvic floor support, making long sessions more damaging than sitting in a chair.
Smartphones tend to keep us engaged longer than a magazine or newspaper, turning a quick visit into a prolonged one.
According to Dr. Pasricha, this added time increases the risk of inflammation and discomfort.
Also read: Is your phone time creeping up? Half of boomers are using theirs more than 3 hours a day
Survey results show a clear trend
Researchers surveyed 125 adults right before they underwent routine colonoscopies.
About 66% said they regularly used their phones in the bathroom, mostly to check the news or scroll through social media.
Among that group, the rate of hemorrhoids was significantly higher—46% more likely than those who did not bring phones.
The study controlled for other factors like constipation, diet, and exercise, reinforcing the strong link to phone use.
While hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they are a major source of discomfort and contribute to millions of doctor visits each year.
Also read: Are you putting your health at risk every time you use your phone on the toilet? The disturbing reason you need to stop now
More than just a pain—it’s a hygiene issue
Even if you dodge the risk of hemorrhoids, another problem lurks in the bathroom: germs.
Every flush sends tiny particles of waste into the air, which can settle on your phone and other nearby surfaces.
That same phone is later pressed against your face, handled in the kitchen, or handed to grandkids.
Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, a bowel disease specialist at Johns Hopkins, called the habit “kind of gross.”
Studies show that phones can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat—especially when brought into the bathroom regularly.
Also read: “As Americans in the UK, these everyday moments make us say, ‘Wait… what?’”
This habit spans generations
The survey showed that adults in their 40s and 50s were more likely to bring their phones into the bathroom than older adults.
Still, health concerns like hemorrhoids affect all age groups. Dr. Robert Cima, a colorectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, noted a rise in hemorrhoid complaints among younger and middle-aged patients, though the specific cause is still under study.
Regardless of age, long bathroom sessions and poor hygiene habits are worth reconsidering.
Even brief visits can turn into long stays when a smartphone is involved.
Also read: Are you overlooking this greasy kitchen culprit? Why your range hood deserves more attention than it gets
Experts recommend a five-minute bathroom limit
Doctors recommend limiting bathroom time to five minutes or less.
In the study, over one-third of phone users stayed longer than five minutes, compared to only 7% of those who left their phones outside.
Dr. Pasricha advises stepping away and returning later if things aren’t moving within that timeframe.
Setting a timer can be helpful if you must bring your phone with you. The less time spent on the toilet, the lower your risk of physical and hygienic problems.
Also read: 5 Everyday Habits You Must Avoid Right Now to Outsmart Colorectal Cancer, According to Experts!
Simple steps to improve your routine
• Keep your phone outside the bathroom. It’s better for both your health and your screen.
• Pay attention to your body. If you’re not ready, don’t force it—try again later.
• Use good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and clean your phone regularly.
• Boost your diet. High-fiber foods and proper hydration help prevent constipation.
• Watch the clock. Aim to finish in five minutes or less.
Old habits can be hard to break, but small changes—like leaving your phone outside the bathroom—can make a big difference for your health.
By keeping bathroom time short, staying mindful of hygiene, and listening to your body, you can protect both your comfort and your phone in the long run.
Read next: Shocking germ hotspots in your home—You won’t believe where!
Do you usually bring your phone into the bathroom, or are you trying to change the habit? Have you noticed any health issues or changes since smartphones became part of your routine? What tricks do you use to avoid lingering too long?
Share your tips or funny stories in the comments—your experience might help someone else make a healthier choice.
It’s become a common habit to bring our phones along, especially during morning routines or evening wind-downs.
But a new study suggests this habit might be doing more harm than we realize.
Beyond the risk to your phone, extended screen time in the bathroom may be linked to an increase in hemorrhoids—and exposure to germs.
Experts are now urging people to think twice before mixing their screen time with bathroom breaks.
Experts say spending too long on the toilet—especially while using a phone—can increase pressure on the body and lead to health issues. Image Source: YouTube /
Everyday Health.
Everyday Health.
How phone use affects your body on the toilet
A new study led by Dr. Trisha Pasricha of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a strong connection between lingering on the toilet and the development of hemorrhoids.
The problem isn't the phone itself, but the extra time spent sitting, which puts added pressure on the veins in the rectum.
Toilet seats offer no pelvic floor support, making long sessions more damaging than sitting in a chair.
Smartphones tend to keep us engaged longer than a magazine or newspaper, turning a quick visit into a prolonged one.
According to Dr. Pasricha, this added time increases the risk of inflammation and discomfort.
Also read: Is your phone time creeping up? Half of boomers are using theirs more than 3 hours a day
Survey results show a clear trend
Researchers surveyed 125 adults right before they underwent routine colonoscopies.
About 66% said they regularly used their phones in the bathroom, mostly to check the news or scroll through social media.
Among that group, the rate of hemorrhoids was significantly higher—46% more likely than those who did not bring phones.
The study controlled for other factors like constipation, diet, and exercise, reinforcing the strong link to phone use.
While hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they are a major source of discomfort and contribute to millions of doctor visits each year.
Also read: Are you putting your health at risk every time you use your phone on the toilet? The disturbing reason you need to stop now
More than just a pain—it’s a hygiene issue
Even if you dodge the risk of hemorrhoids, another problem lurks in the bathroom: germs.
Every flush sends tiny particles of waste into the air, which can settle on your phone and other nearby surfaces.
That same phone is later pressed against your face, handled in the kitchen, or handed to grandkids.
Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, a bowel disease specialist at Johns Hopkins, called the habit “kind of gross.”
Studies show that phones can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat—especially when brought into the bathroom regularly.
Also read: “As Americans in the UK, these everyday moments make us say, ‘Wait… what?’”
This habit spans generations
The survey showed that adults in their 40s and 50s were more likely to bring their phones into the bathroom than older adults.
Still, health concerns like hemorrhoids affect all age groups. Dr. Robert Cima, a colorectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, noted a rise in hemorrhoid complaints among younger and middle-aged patients, though the specific cause is still under study.
Regardless of age, long bathroom sessions and poor hygiene habits are worth reconsidering.
Even brief visits can turn into long stays when a smartphone is involved.
Also read: Are you overlooking this greasy kitchen culprit? Why your range hood deserves more attention than it gets
Experts recommend a five-minute bathroom limit
Doctors recommend limiting bathroom time to five minutes or less.
In the study, over one-third of phone users stayed longer than five minutes, compared to only 7% of those who left their phones outside.
Dr. Pasricha advises stepping away and returning later if things aren’t moving within that timeframe.
Setting a timer can be helpful if you must bring your phone with you. The less time spent on the toilet, the lower your risk of physical and hygienic problems.
Also read: 5 Everyday Habits You Must Avoid Right Now to Outsmart Colorectal Cancer, According to Experts!
Simple steps to improve your routine
• Keep your phone outside the bathroom. It’s better for both your health and your screen.
• Pay attention to your body. If you’re not ready, don’t force it—try again later.
• Use good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and clean your phone regularly.
• Boost your diet. High-fiber foods and proper hydration help prevent constipation.
• Watch the clock. Aim to finish in five minutes or less.
Old habits can be hard to break, but small changes—like leaving your phone outside the bathroom—can make a big difference for your health.
By keeping bathroom time short, staying mindful of hygiene, and listening to your body, you can protect both your comfort and your phone in the long run.
Read next: Shocking germ hotspots in your home—You won’t believe where!
Do you usually bring your phone into the bathroom, or are you trying to change the habit? Have you noticed any health issues or changes since smartphones became part of your routine? What tricks do you use to avoid lingering too long?
Share your tips or funny stories in the comments—your experience might help someone else make a healthier choice.
