Let’s be honest — most of us are guilty of scrolling through our phones while sitting on the toilet.

But what if that seemingly harmless habit is actually doing real damage to your body? According to health experts, it could be a major reason why more and more people are suffering from painful hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, aren’t exactly a glamorous topic, but they’re becoming a lot more common — and your bathroom behavior might be to blame.

Hemorrhoids on the Rise in the Digital Age

Doctors are seeing a noticeable spike in the number of people dealing with hemorrhoids, and modern lifestyle habits are under the microscope.

Research shows that one in three people undergoing a colonoscopy end up with a hemorrhoid diagnosis.

In fact, hemorrhoids lead to about 4 million medical visits in the U.S. every year.

The market for treating hemorrhoids is booming, too.

It’s expected to hit $1.75 billion in 2025, up from $1.67 billion the year before — and projections say it could reach a staggering $2.6 billion by 2034.

Google Searches Show People Are Desperate for Relief

More Americans are also turning to the internet for help.

A look at Google Trends data shows a fivefold increase in hemorrhoid-related searches between 2004 and 2023.

Clearly, many are uncomfortable — and looking for answers.

The Bathroom Scroll Could Be Hurting Your Health

So, what’s really causing this surge in hemorrhoid cases? While constipation, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting have always been known triggers, experts are now pointing fingers at a newer culprit: phone use on the toilet.

A survey from 2021 found that 73% of Americans bring their phones into the bathroom, with that number jumping to 93% among young adults aged 18–29.

That extra screen time is extending toilet sessions far longer than they should be — which puts pressure on veins in the rectum and can lead to swelling, irritation, and yes, hemorrhoids.

What the Research Says About Phones and Piles

In a recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, researchers examined the bathroom habits of 125 people undergoing colonoscopies.

Over 40% were diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and a majority — 93% — admitted to using their phone on the toilet at least once a week.

It gets more concerning. The study showed that people who used their phones in the bathroom had a 46% higher risk of developing hemorrhoids compared to those who didn’t.

Those who brought phones to the toilet often spent six minutes or more per trip, compared to just 7% of non-phone users.

Many even admitted that the phone made them stay longer than they needed to.

Wait, What Are Hemorrhoids Exactly?

In simple terms, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus.

They’re a lot like varicose veins but in a more sensitive spot. They can develop internally or externally and affect three out of four adults at some point, according to The Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms include:

Bright red blood during bowel movements
Itching and discomfort around the anus
A lingering feeling of needing to “go” even after a bowel movement
Painful lumps near the anus
Mucus on toilet paper or in underwear

When It Might Be More Than Just Hemorrhoids

Sometimes, people confuse hemorrhoids with a condition called rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum slips out of place and may even protrude from the anus.

The symptoms are similar — like bleeding, pain, and mucus — but prolapse usually requires more advanced medical care than hemorrhoids do.

Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment

The good news? Hemorrhoids are usually treatable and, better yet, preventable.

Most mild cases can be handled with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter creams, and better diet choices.

A low-fiber diet, dehydration, and too much sitting are major factors.

Nearly 95% of Americans don’t get enough fiber, which leads to constipation and straining — both big triggers for hemorrhoids.

Doctors recommend upping your fiber intake with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans.

Drinking plenty of water and adding some daily movement — even light walking — can keep things moving smoothly.

Give Your Gut a Break: Keep Screens Out of the Bathroom

According to Dr. Farah Monzur from Stony Brook Medicine, the key is to treat bathroom time like a task, not a mini vacation.

That means no catching up on emails, TikTok, or news while you’re on the loo.

“If you go in thinking it’s going to take forever, you’ll bring something to keep you entertained,” she says.

“But that’s exactly what encourages longer sitting times.”

Her advice? Make the bathroom boring.

Get in, do your business, and get out. Your veins will thank you.

Quick Recap: How to Avoid Hemorrhoids

Don’t sit too long — if nothing happens in 5–10 minutes, get up and move around
Skip the screen time — leave your phone out of the bathroom
Eat more fiber — think veggies, fruits, and whole grains
Stay hydrated — water helps keep things moving
Be active — light exercise goes a long way for digestion

Bottom Line

Hemorrhoids are way more common than people think — and our screen habits may be making them worse.

If you’ve been spending extra time in the bathroom with your phone, it might be time to rethink that habit.

Put the phone down, grab an apple instead, and give your body the relief it’s been asking for.