Many people have developed the habit of bringing their phones into the bathroom, turning a quick bathroom break into a 15-minute scroll session. However, doctors caution that this habit can lead to serious health concerns. Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor at Stony Brook Medicine, stress that spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet can increase the risk of hemorrhoids, weakened pelvic muscles, and other health complications.
Health Risks of Extended Toilet Time Spending more than the recommended 5-10 minutes on the toilet may harm circulation in the lower body, especially on an oval toilet seat where gravity increases pressure on the blood vessels around the anus and rectum. Over time, this pressure can enlarge blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids. Straining due to prolonged sitting exacerbates this problem by placing additional stress on the rectal and pelvic muscles, leading to risks such as rectal prolapse—a condition where the rectum slips and bulges out of the anus.
Doctors have also noticed a rise in cases of weakened pelvic floor muscles due to extended toilet sitting. These muscles are crucial for coordinated bowel movements, and repeated, prolonged pressure can lead to complications in bowel health.
Tips to Reduce Time on the Toilet To avoid these risks, Dr. Lance Uradomo from City of Hope Orange County suggests keeping phones, books, and other distractions out of the bathroom. Reducing distractions makes sitting on the toilet less inviting, which can help minimize unnecessary time spent there.
If a bowel movement doesn’t happen within 10 minutes, Dr. Xue advises stepping away and walking around to stimulate gut activity. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods, like oats and beans, can also support regular bowel movements and minimize the need for straining. The National Academy of Medicine recommends consuming 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water per day, while the USDA advises 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories consumed.
Signs of Possible Health Concerns In cases where prolonged toilet time is accompanied by discomfort, doctors warn it could be a symptom of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or even colorectal cancer. Long-term constipation or ongoing bleeding can be indicators of gastrointestinal issues or blockages caused by growths in the colon. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates have risen among those under 55, with an estimated 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 cases of rectal cancer this year alone.
Dr. Monzur recommends seeking medical advice if you experience these symptoms consistently for three weeks or more. Timely consultation with a primary care physician or referral to a gastroenterologist can lead to early detection and treatment of potentially serious conditions.