Don’t Sit on the Toilet for More Than 10 Minutes – Doctors Warn

Doctors are urging people to cut down on their bathroom time, recommending a maximum of 10 minutes on the toilet.

Dr. Farah Monzur, an expert at Stony Brook Medicine, suggests that the average time spent should be between five to 10 minutes.

Many individuals unknowingly extend their toilet sessions due to distractions like smartphones, turning what should be a quick trip into a prolonged experience. Health professionals are now warning that spending too much time on the toilet can lead to health problems.

Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas, explains that prolonged sitting on the toilet adds pressure on the veins and blood vessels around the anus, raising the risk of hemorrhoids.

He notes that one of the first questions he asks patients is how much time they spend on the toilet.

Extended toilet time can also affect the pelvic area, potentially leading to pelvic floor dysfunction and weakened anal muscles. Dr. Xue elaborates that the toilet seat’s shape compresses the buttocks, restricting blood circulation and increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids.

The American Cancer Society has recently reported a rise in colorectal cancer among people under 55, making it even more important to pay attention to bathroom habits. Experts also warn that excessive toilet time may contribute to rectal prolapse, where part of the large intestine slips down and protrudes through the anus.

To avoid spending too long in the bathroom, Dr. Uradomo suggests making the environment as dull as possible, limiting distractions.

For those struggling with discomfort or difficulty passing stool, experts recommend consulting a doctor, as it could signal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or even colorectal cancer.

In short, while it might seem harmless to scroll through your phone on the toilet, excessive sitting can lead to long-term health complications.