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Scrolling and watching reels on TikTok, Instagram or any social media while sitting on the toilet seat has become a common habit for many people, due to which people often spend a lot of time in the bathroom, but even though it may seem like a harmless way to pass the time, sitting on the toilet for a long time can have many negative health effects, both physically and mentally. Understanding these effects and recognizing how long is too long can help prevent potential damage.
How long is too long?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel Mumbai, said, “Taking mobile phones to the toilet is strictly prohibited. Many people read books or newspapers, which is not recommended at all. Also, many people spend hours on the phone while on the toilet, which can lead to piles. This is because the pressure created by resting on the toilet seat can press the veins in your rectal area, causing painful swelling, irritation and bleeding during bowel movements. It can also cause constipation or difficulty in bowel movements.”
He added, “One can also get gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. One should avoid spending more than 30 to 45 minutes in the toilet as many people have been doing so recently which has become a matter of concern now. One should not spend more than 7 minutes in the toilet. The maximum would be 10 minutes but don’t exceed that.”
Does changing positions really help?
Dr. Manjusha Agarwal responds, “Sitting in the traditional manner for long periods of time can lead to difficulty or straining to pass stools. This is primarily because the angle of the hips and knees does not help in optimal alignment to make bowel movements easier. Hence, squatting or using a footstool to elevate your legs, thus creating a more natural route through which the body can efficiently expel waste.”
Dr. Rajeev Premnath, General Laparoscopic Surgeon and Endoscopist, Ramakrishna Hospital’s Hitech Hernia Centre, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, shares his expertise and says, “Swollen and swollen veins around the lower rectum and anus, known as piles, are a common source of pain, discomfort and bleeding. These bothersome veins often develop due to pressure that can result from a number of factors, including prolonged sitting/straining, especially on the toilet.”
Highlighting that not all sitting postures have the same effect, he elaborates, “For example, sitting on a hard surface puts more pressure on the rectal area than sitting on a padded surface. However, the biggest problem is sitting on a toilet seat for long periods of time. The design of the toilet seat places the rectum lower than the rest of the buttocks, creating an unnatural posture. This position, combined with the force of gravity, causes blood to pool in the veins, which significantly increases the risk of developing piles. In addition, straining during bowel movements due to constipation often increases the pressure on the rectal veins. This combination of prolonged sitting and straining further aggravates the problem, causing new piles to develop and existing ones to get worse.”
Sitting for long periods of time is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Dr. Rajeev Premnath said, “Whether it is due to work or personal habits, sitting for long periods of time without movement leads to poor blood circulation and sluggish bowel movements. This inactivity increases the risk of hemorrhoids by disrupting regular bowel movements and increasing the likelihood of constipation. On the other hand, hemorrhoids can be prevented by adopting an active lifestyle. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the rectum, improves blood flow and supports healthy colon function. Together, these benefits aid in healing pre-existing hemorrhoids and help avoid constipation. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing this bothersome problem.”
She also advised avoiding hemorrhoids, especially those caused by prolonged sitting, and suggested, “Take a walk during your hourly break to increase blood circulation. Avoid distractions and limit your bowel movement time to a maximum of five minutes. If you are constipated, try again later. Avoid straining during bowel movements. To maintain good bowel movements and avoid constipation, stay hydrated and eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
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