India, Sept. 4 -- Are you guilty of using your phone while sitting on the toilet? Often, the few minutes inside the bathroom may feel like a respite, a quiet moment to yourself. But this little downtime can quickly go downhill for your health. Your toilet time increases when you use your phone, as without it, you would more likely finish up much sooner.

A study published on September 3, 2025, in the PLOS One journal gives a much-needed reality check, highlighting this habit's close association with haemorrhoid risk. In other words, scrolling increases the risk of developing haemorrhoids, which are swollen veins around the rectum and anus that cause pain, itching and bleeding.

The study included 125 adults who underwent colonoscopy. Thro...