A provocative new study published in a respected medical journal has found that using smartphones while sitting on the toilet is associated with a notably higher risk of hemorrhoids. Based on 125 adults undergoing routine colonoscopy, the research reports that those who used their phones during toilet trips were about 46% more likely to have hemorrhoids, compared with those who did not. The lead observation is stark: a growing habit of scrolling, streaming, and reading in the bathroom may carry more health consequences than many people realize. A growing trend is the use of smartphones while sitting on the toilet to read news, to engage in social media, or simply to pass the time, the study notes, and this increasingly common behavior could have significant health implications, most of which have not been adequately studied. The work was published in a peer‑reviewed journal, highlighting a potential public health message that many Thai households would recognize in daily life.
The results come as smartphones have become nearly ubiquitous across Thailand, with digital devices woven into daily routines from dawn to late night. While the study’s sample is from a specific clinical context in another country, its implications resonate with many Thai families who juggle work pressures, family responsibilities, and digital distractions. The core message is not merely about phones; it is about time and pressure in an intimate space where the body is under heightened venous strain. In practical terms, the study adds to a growing body of evidence that prolonged sitting, defecation efforts, and low dietary fiber are important factors in hemorrhoid risk — now potentially compounded by the bathroom‑tablet dynamic.
From a methodological perspective, the researchers recruited adults scheduled for a routine colonoscopy and asked them to complete a survey about their toilet habits, including whether they used a smartphone during toilet visits, what activities they pursued, and how long they typically spent there. The investigators then examined the presence of hemorrhoids in relation to those self‑reported behaviors. The study’s cross‑sectional design means it can reveal associations but cannot prove that phone use on the toilet causes hemorrhoids. Still, the magnitude of the association and the ubiquity of the behavior raise compelling questions for health practitioners and policymakers in Thailand, where constipation and diet‑related gastrointestinal issues are ongoing public health concerns.
The study’s findings line up with other recent examinations of bathroom habits and colorectal health. For example, surveys and smaller analyses conducted in different contexts have repeatedly linked prolonged toilet time with increased venous pressure in the anorectal region, a known pathway to hemorrhoids. In many parts of the world, hemorrhoids are among the most common outpatient gastrointestinal conditions, generating substantial healthcare visits and costs each year. While the Thai healthcare system has made impressive gains in access and prevention, hemorrhoids remain a persistent, often underreported burden that affects daily comfort, mobility, and work productivity. These new findings therefore contribute to a broader conversation about how everyday behaviors outside the clinic can influence health inside the body.
Experts stressed that while the study’s numbers are striking, they must be interpreted with care. A Thai gastroenterologist at a leading university hospital emphasized that the observed association aligns with well‑established risk factors for hemorrhoids, including constipation, straining during bowel movements, a low‑fiber diet, and sedentary habits. The doctor noted that the bathroom is not an ideal place for long screen time because it combines the mechanical pressure of sitting with defecation processes and, in many cases, a sedentary postural pattern. The expert added that the findings should prompt people to reassess how much time they spend on phones in the bathroom and to consider healthier routines that rely on adequate hydration, fiber intake, and regular physical activity.
A public health researcher in Thailand’s health sector also weighed in, explaining that the message goes beyond hemorrhoids to touch on broader concerns about sedentary behaviors in modern life. The researcher argued that digital habits—when coupled with dietary patterns and physical activity levels—contribute to a cascade of health risks, including digestive health. The takeaway, the expert said, is not to demonize phones but to set boundaries: limit bathroom time, avoid unnecessary strain, and embrace routines that support gut health, such as high‑fiber meals, plenty of water, and moderate daily exercise.
Thai readers can see direct relevance in everyday life. The bathroom, a place of quiet privacy for many families, is where small daily choices accumulate. For parents juggling work responsibilities and child care, even a few extra minutes on a smartphone can mean extended sitting without movement. In a culture that values family harmony and collective well‑being, the study’s implication is clear: short, mindful bathroom breaks paired with good dietary and activity habits can protect comfort and long‑term health. It is also a reminder that public health messaging in Thailand often works best when it respects everyday routines and local values, from mindful routines rooted in Buddhist principles of balance to practical, family‑centered tips that fit into daily life.
The Thai context adds another layer of relevance. Thailand has high smartphone penetration and a culture of multi‑tasking across home, work, and school life. Yet, the health system has long promoted preventive measures such as adequate hydration, fiber‑rich diets, regular physical activity, and timely medical checkups. The study’s message dovetails with these priorities, reinforcing the argument that prevention starts in the simplest places: one’s kitchen, one’s daily walking routes, and yes, one’s bathroom routine. It also invites a local conversation about how to design healthier everyday environments, from the layout of bathrooms in homes and workplaces to public health campaigns that address digital life as part of overall wellness.
There is a broader historical and cultural context to consider as well. Thai society places a strong emphasis on family welfare, respect for medical professionals, and deference to collective well‑being. In Buddhist practice, mindful living and moderation are valued, and this study’s call for balanced, mindful bathroom use aligns with those long‑standing cultural ideals. It also highlights how modern technologies—phones, apps, and constant connectivity—intersect with traditional health wisdom. The narrative moves from a global research finding into a local frame, inviting Thai households to reflect on practices that may have outpaced dietary and lifestyle guidelines designed for earlier eras.
Looking ahead, researchers and clinicians will likely pursue further investigations across diverse populations and settings in Southeast Asia to determine whether the observed associations hold across dietary cultures, climate, and health systems. In Thailand, this could translate into targeted educational campaigns that pair practical bathroom‑habits guidance with nutrition and activity messages. Policymakers might consider incorporating foyer‑level or workplace reminders about healthy stool habits and breaks from screen time, especially for younger adults who appear more prone to bathroom smartphone use. Importantly, any future recommendations will need to acknowledge the study’s limitations and avoid implying a direct causal relationship. Instead, a nuanced public‑health approach can emphasize a cluster of actionable behaviors: limit time on the toilet, engage in regular physical activity, drink adequate water, and eat a high‑fiber diet.
For individuals and families, the practical takeaways are clear. If you find yourself lingering on the toilet while scrolling or watching videos, consider stepping away after a few minutes, then returning with a plan to complete your bathroom tasks efficiently. Pair your bathroom breaks with a routine that supports gut health: a glass of water upon waking, fiber‑rich foods at meals, and a short walk after meals when possible. Those living in crowded homes or sharing bathroom space with family members can establish simple norms that balance privacy with health, such as designating a brief, phone‑free interval for bathroom use and keeping smartphones out of the bathroom area. Comfort and dignity in daily life are core Thai values; this study offers a pathway to protect both by combining mindful habits with proven prevention strategies.
In conclusion, while the study’s design cannot prove that a phone on the toilet causes hemorrhoids, the association is strong enough to warrant attention in Thailand’s health education and preventive care efforts. The message resonates with families and clinicians alike: small changes in daily routines can reduce risk and improve quality of life. By embracing a balanced approach to technology use, prioritizing hydration and fiber, and encouraging regular physical activity, Thai communities can translate a global health finding into local, practical action. The result could be fewer uncomfortable days, less medical worry, and a healthier relationship with the devices that accompany daily life.