Unhealthy venture: Reason for steering clear

In a recent study published in the journal "PLOS One", researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston have found a connection between the use of smartphones on the toilet and an increased risk of hemorrhoids. The study, led by Trisha Pasricha, involved 125 adults, of whom 43 percent were diagnosed with hemorrhoids via colonoscopy.

Dr. Oliver Funken, a family physician from Rheinbach, Germany, warns that spending too much time on the toilet can increase pressure on the blood vessels in the anal area. This pressure, combined with the relaxed pelvic floor muscles due to prolonged sitting, may lead to an increased risk of hemorrhoids.

The study found that a majority of 25- to 34-year-olds in Germany use their smartphones while on the toilet. Over 80% of this age group admitted to this behaviour, according to a YouGov survey. The average usage of smartphones among adults in the survey is 54%.

People spend a significant amount of time scrolling through social media, checking the weather, playing games, or flirting on dating apps while on the toilet. Many users are surprised by how quickly time passes while using their phones on the toilet, with 48% admitting to this.

However, the use of smartphones on the toilet can also transmit pathogens due to brief contact with the sink after using the toilet. To prevent this, Dr. Funken recommends using an alcohol-based lens cleaning cloth for phones. It's also important to wash hands after using the toilet, but not to put the phone under the water stream.

Interestingly, the study found that men use their phones more frequently while on the toilet than women, with 58% compared to 49%. This behaviour may contribute to the higher risk of hemorrhoids among smartphone users on the toilet, as warned by the study.

The study was reported on our website TV on 05.09.2025 at 21:45 in the "Our Website Aktuell" news program. Microbiologist Markus Egert from Furtwangen University supports the findings, urging smartphone users to be aware of the potential risks associated with this behaviour.

In conclusion, while smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, it's important to be mindful of our habits, especially when it comes to using them on the toilet. By following simple hygiene practices and limiting our time on the toilet, we can help reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids.