Australian scientist Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki is warning people to ditch their phones in the bathroom, saying the habit of scrolling on the toilet could be doing far more harm than we realise.
According to Dr. Karl, spending extra time sitting on the toilet—often because we’re distracted by our phones—significantly increases the risk of haemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels inside or outside the anus and lower rectum.
“Haemorrhoids are like little cushions inside the anal area that help with closure,” he told ABC Health. “But if you spend too long on the toilet, they can actually pop out and stay outside. Sometimes you can push them back in easily, and sometimes you need surgery.”
To reduce the risk, Dr. Karl urges people to stop multitasking in the bathroom.
“Just concentrate on having the bowel motion. Don’t try to scroll videos at the same time,” he said. “Videos are addictive—five minutes later, you’re still watching and you don’t realise what’s happening down there. It’s time to disconnect from our phones and reconnect with our bowels.”
The video has already been viewed more than 80,000 times, with many viewers admitting they watched it while sitting on the toilet.
In 2023, a young woman went viral after revealing her mother needed surgery for haemorrhoids caused by spending up to 30 minutes on the toilet while scrolling. US physician Dr. Joseph Salhab confirmed the risk, saying prolonged sitting and straining can trigger painful haemorrhoids. He recommends limiting phone use in the bathroom.
To prevent haemorrhoids, experts suggest increasing fibre intake through fruits such as kiwi, dragon fruit, apples, pears, prunes and vitamin C–rich foods. Water intake, magnesium supplements and fibre products like psyllium husk may also help regulate bowel movements.
Dr. Salhab also recommends using a small stepping stool while on the toilet, as elevating the feet can make bowel movements easier.
According to Healthline, it’s not smartphones themselves but the prolonged sitting that causes the issue. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Karen Zaghiyan explained that spending too long on the toilet can cause haemorrhoids to become engorged with blood, leading to swelling, pain and bleeding.
