New Delhi: Hemorrhoids, once considered largely an ailment of older adults, are now affecting young people in growing numbers. A new study has found that a modern lifestyle habit of using smartphones on the toilet may be contributing to the condition.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anal or rectal area that can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort. In India, approximately 11 percent of the population is affected each year, with cases being particularly high in urban areas. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and poor dietary habits increase the risk.
In the United States, hemorrhoids account for nearly four million visits to doctors or emergency rooms annually, costing more than $800 million in healthcare.
Although traditionally associated with aging and straining during bowel movements, researchers now say prolonged sitting caused by smartphone use may play a role.
The research, published this week in the open-access journal PLOS One, was led by Dr. Chethan Ramprasad of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the United States. The team studied 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy, who were asked about their toilet habits and lifestyle before being examined for hemorrhoids.
Two-thirds of participants reported using their smartphones while on the toilet, most of them were younger adults. After adjusting for other risk factors such as age, diet, and exercise, researchers found that smartphone users had a 46 percent higher risk of hemorrhoids compared to non-users.
The study also revealed that smartphone users spent significantly more time on the toilet, 37 percent admitted to sitting for more than five minutes, compared with just 7.1 percent of non-users. Browsing social media and reading news were the most common activities.
Interestingly, straining during bowel movements, often considered a main cause of hemorrhoids, was not strongly associated with risk in this study. Instead, the duration of time spent seated appeared to be the stronger factor.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, senior author of the study, explained that, “Using a smartphone while on the toilet was linked to a 46 percent increased chance of having hemorrhoids. We are still uncovering the many ways smartphones and our modern way of life impact health. It’s possible that how and where we use them, such as in the bathroom, can have unintended consequences.”
She advised limiting time on the toilet and leaving devices outside the bathroom. “If it’s taking longer, ask yourself why. Was it really difficult to have a bowel movement, or was my attention elsewhere?”
The study highlights the importance of everyday habits in preventing common but often painful conditions. With apps designed to hold attention, many people may unknowingly prolong toilet time, putting unnecessary strain on rectal veins.
Experts say more research is needed, but the evidence is strong enough for doctors to start advising patients on reducing bathroom phone use.
