Sitting Too Long In The Toilet Because Playing Devices Increases Hemorrhoid Risk

YOGYAKARTA - In today's digital era, bringing a device to the toilet has become a common habit. Some do it to read news, open social media, or just get rid of boredom. Although it looks trivial, recent research shows that this habit can increase health risks, especially hemorrhoids.

Using a device in the toilet makes a person forget his time. Without realizing it, the duration of sitting can be longer than what should be just because of the fun of scrolling. Recent research reported by HuffPost, Tuesday, September 9, shows that most of the device users in the toilet can spend more than five minutes every time they enter the bathroom. In fact, the longer you sit, the greater the pressure your body feels, especially in the pelvic area.

Excess pressure when sitting in the toilet causes blood vessels in the anus area to get an unnatural burden. You should know, toilets are not designed like ordinary chairs that support the pelvis properly, so that the lower part of the body bears direct pressure. This condition makes blood vessels swell and eventually triggers the formation of hemorrhoids. The risk is increasing if the habit of sitting for a long time is repeated.

Many people think hemorrhoids only occur due to straining too hard when defecating. However, research found that the use of gadgets still increases the risk of hemorrhoids even though straining factors, age, weight, diet, and physical activity have been taken into account. In other words, the habit of bringing gadgets to toilets has its own significant influence. This explains why hemorrhoids can arise even though there are no problems with constipation or straining habits.

The relationship between the duration in the toilet and the habit of using gadgets while sitting defecating, not many people know. In a study entitled Smartphone use on the toilet and the risk of hemorrhoids published in the journal PLOS on September 3, 2025, it was recorded that almost half of the research respondents admitted that they did not associate these two things. In fact, without a device, on average, people only sit briefly to finish defecating.

To prevent an increase in risk, experts suggest that the duration of sitting in the toilet is no more than 510 minutes. The easiest way, of course, by leaving the device outside the bathroom. The shorter time spent in the toilet, the less pressure blood vessels are borne in the anus area. That way, the risk of hemorrhoids can be significantly reduced.

In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also very important. Consumption of high-fiber foods, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly can help prevent constipation. If you look softer and urinate more smoothly, the need to strain also decreases. This habit not only supports digestive health, but also reduces the chances of future hemorrhoids.