Taking your phone to the toilet could cause haemorrhoids and even costly surgery

Scrolling through social media or videos whilst sitting on the toilet may feel like a harmless way to pass the time, but a Florida-based gastroenterologist is warning that the habit carries serious health consequences — including painful haemorrhoids and, in severe cases, surgery costing as much as $82,000.

The doctor's warning

Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist and health content creator specialising in digestion, liver, pancreas, and nutrition health, shared the warning in an Instagram video.

He was responding to a woman's account of her mother requiring haemorrhoid surgery — a procedure she claimed could cost up to $82,000 — as a direct result of spending extended periods on the toilet with her phone.

Why prolonged toilet sitting is harmful

According to Dr Salhab, sitting on the toilet for long periods with the lower body in a stretched position can cause vascular engorgement and elevated pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the rectal area. When combined with straining before or during a bowel movement, the risk of serious complications increases considerably.

"There's a few things that we think increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. That includes prolonged sitting with your bottom stretched that can lead to something called vascular engorgement and pressure of the blood supply over here.

"When you couple that with having to strain when you use the restroom, not only increases your risk of haemorrhoids, but increases your risk of bleeding and increases your risk of developing a tear in your lower canal, which can be very painful.

"So, I often tell my patients with haemorrhoids to stop using the phone when they're in the bathroom and just focus on bathroom time," he explained.

How to reduce your risk

Dr Salhab outlined several practical steps to promote healthy bowel movements and lower the risk of developing haemorrhoids.

He advises patients to avoid straining, keep stools soft through adequate fibre intake — including fruits, vegetables, psyllium husk, flax seeds, and chia seeds — and drink plenty of water whilst staying physically active.

He also recommends placing the feet on a small stool whilst on the toilet to relax the pelvic floor and open the anorectal angle, making bowel movements easier and more complete.

Most importantly, he urges people to put their phones down and limit time spent sitting on the toilet. If constipation recurs persistently, he advises addressing stool consistency rather than ignoring the problem.