Stomach doctor gives warning to people who use their phones while sitting on the toilet

If we’re going into the toilet and likely to be spending more than just a penny in there, it’s likely we might take in something to help pass the time.

Maybe we go old school like a bloke in a film and read the paper, maybe we actually keep a book in there awaiting our arrival or perhaps we just doom scroll through our phone.

I mean if we’re answering emails while we’re in there then we’re still technically working right?

And taking in the latest Twitter (ok, X) drama while doing our business can be pretty relaxing to be honest.

But apparently, it’s not exactly the best of ideas to take your device into the loo for some company.

This is as a stomach doctor has issued a warning to those of us who like to use our phones while sitting on the toilet.

Dr Sethi is a Gastroenterologist – in normal speak, he’s a stomach doctor and trained at Harvard and Stanford – and shares medical advice on TikTok.

Haemorrhoids and rectal prolapse, happy Monday. Getty Images Stock Photo

In one video, he advises just why we should ‘stop scrolling through the phone while using the toilet’.

He says it may ‘seem harmless to scroll through your social media feed or answer some emails’ while sitting in the loo but warns doing some can actually have ‘some serious consequences.

Brace yourselves.

Dr Sethi explains: “First, using your phone while doing a number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus.

“This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and even rectal prolapse.”

Well, that’s just lovely isn’t it.

TikTok/@doctorsethimd

And if getting haemorrhoids on the inside and outside isn’t enough to put you off a dive into the group chat from the toilet, then this might be.

The doc continues: “Another issue is that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat.”

Last year, scientists at the University of Arizona did previously find that mobile phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats.

Gross.

But if you still just can’t help yourself from a loo doom scroll, he adds: “At least have a disinfectant wipe around to clean the phone after you’re done with the business.”

Honestly, wish I hadn’t heard this. What am I supposed to do now? Stare at the wall?

Happy Monday morning, have a haemorrhoid.

Topics: Health, TikTok

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_