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Bathroom Doomscrolling May Increase Your Risk of Hemorrhoids
Scrolling on smartphones while using the toilet may significantly increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. A study published in PLOS One surveyed 125 adults about their bathroom habits and lifestyle. Researchers found that 66 percent of participants scrolled on their phones during toilet time. Those who used their phones on the toilet had a 46 percent higher risk of hemorrhoids compared to non-users. This association remained even after accounting for other risk factors like age and diet. Smartphone use in the bathroom often leads to extended toilet stays, with users spending over five minutes on average. Popular apps are designed to make users lose track of time. While the study is preliminary due to its small sample size, the findings suggest a link. Experts recommend leaving smartphones outside the bathroom to avoid prolonged sitting. Further research is planned to investigate this issue more thoroughly.