People who use their smartphones while sitting on the toilet bowl (WC) are 46 per cent more likely to develop haemorrhoids (piles), according to new research.
A study published in PLOS ONE (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0329983) found that prolonged sitting on the toilet increases pressure on the veins around the anus, which can lead to haemorrhoids — swollen blood vessels inside or around the rectal area that cause pain, itching, and discomfort.
The researchers noted that people who use their phones in the bathroom tend to spend more time on the toilet than those who do not, with most using the time to read news or browse social media.
Public Reactions
When we spoke to members of the public about using mobile phones in the toilet, most admitted doing so and spending longer periods there.
One respondent said he could spend up to two hours in the toilet because that’s where he usually browses social media.
Another male student explained that he takes his phone to the toilet because he fears it might be stolen if left in his bag on campus.
A third person said he takes his phone along because he does not want to miss any calls.
However, a Muslim woman told us that her religion does not permit speaking in the toilet, so she avoids taking her phone there.
Medical Expert Commentary
In an interview with Dr Henry Nii Odai Annang, a senior medical officer at Breeze International Clinic, he confirmed that sitting on the toilet for long periods puts pressure on the veins around the anal region, increasing the risk of piles.
He added that apart from haemorrhoids, using a mobile phone in the toilet exposes users to bacteria from toilet surfaces.
Dr Annang, who is also a healthcare financing consultant, noted that young men are the most frequent phone users in toilets.
“Sometimes, patients report persistent symptoms, and after investigation, we discover that in addition to poor dietary habits, they spend long hours on the toilet using their phones,” he said.
He explained that when haemorrhoids reach stage four, surgery is often required to correct the anus — but the affected area may never return fully to its original state.
Dr Annang advised people not to spend more than 10 minutes in the toilet and to eat foods rich in fibre.
Traditional Perspective
From a traditional medicine viewpoint, Dr Adu Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of Medimafo Herbal Clinic, said he disagreed with the survey’s conclusion.
While admitting that taking a phone to the toilet could expose users to germs, he argued that scrolling on a phone does not directly cause piles.
“There are people who use public toilets without phones and still develop piles,” he noted.
Dr Gyamfi explained that piles — known locally as ‘kookoo’ — account for about 40 to 45 per cent of his patients.
He attributed the condition mainly to accumulated waste and poor detoxification, saying, “People eat and drink so much but do not cleanse their systems.”
He urged the public to eat healthily, focusing on local Ghanaian dishes rich in greens and fruits.
He also encouraged regular detoxification using herbs or locally produced medicines to prevent piles.
