Using a mobile phone while sitting on the toilet may seem harmless, but this habit can affect your hygiene, bowel habits and overall health. Spending too much time scrolling through social media, watching videos or reading messages can keep you seated longer than necessary. Here are the possible health risks and ways to avoid them.
1. May Increase the Risk of Haemorrhoids
Sitting on the toilet for extended periods can increase pressure on the veins around the anus. Over time, prolonged toilet sitting, especially when combined with straining, may contribute to haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles.
Using your phone can make you lose track of time, increasing the likelihood of sitting longer than necessary.
2. Can Spread Germs to Your Mobile Phone
Toilets and bathrooms can contain microorganisms from faecal contamination and frequently touched surfaces. Touching your phone with unwashed hands may transfer germs to the device, which can then spread to your hands, face or other surfaces.
Regular handwashing and cleaning your phone according to the manufacturer’s instructions can help reduce contamination.
3. May Encourage Unhealthy Bowel Habits
When you focus on your phone, you may ignore your body’s natural signals and spend more time on the toilet than needed. This can encourage prolonged sitting and may worsen existing bowel discomfort, particularly in people who experience constipation or piles.
4. Can Increase Pressure on the Rectal Area
A 2025 study published in PLOS One found that smartphone use on the toilet was associated with a 46% higher likelihood of haemorrhoids. Smartphone users were also more likely to spend over five minutes on the toilet. However, the study involved only 125 adults and cannot prove that phone use directly causes haemorrhoids.
5. May Affect Your Daily Routine
Scrolling through social media or watching videos can make a short bathroom visit unnecessarily long. If this habit also contributes to excessive screen time, it may take time away from physical activity, sleep or other daily tasks.
6. How to Use Your Phone More Safely in the Toilet
- Avoid carrying your phone into the toilet whenever possible.
- Keep toilet visits brief and aim to finish within about five minutes.
- Avoid straining or sitting longer after your bowel movement is complete.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet.
- Clean your phone regularly using a method suitable for your device.
Final Takeaway
Using a mobile phone in the toilet is not automatically harmful, but the biggest concern is spending too much time sitting on the toilet and potentially spreading germs. Keeping bathroom visits short, maintaining good hygiene and avoiding unnecessary scrolling can help protect your health.
