The Toilet Trouble of TikTok Scrollers

Toilet-goers who can't resist scrolling through their phones might want to rethink their habits. Doctors are recommending a strict ‘two TikTok’ limit, stating that devoting too much time in the loo can lead to painful haemorrhoids.

Excessive Toilet Time Linked to Health Issues

Research indicates that individuals who linger in the bathroom with their devices are more likely to develop bulging veins, commonly known as piles. With a staggering number of respondents admitting that they take their phones to the toilet, it’s become clear that these prolonged visits come with risks.

Why Two TikToks? Here's the Science!

Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a leading gastroenterologist, conducted a study involving 125 participants during routine colonoscopies. The findings, published in the journal Plos One, revealed that those who used their phones on the toilet spent significantly longer time there—46% more likely to suffer from haemorrhoids compared to non-scrollers.

Old School vs. New Distractions

While reading newspapers or magazines was once the norm, Dr. Pasricha notes that today's digital landscape of TikTok and Instagram is far more captivating—and potentially harmful. The addictive nature of these apps often leads to users losing track of time while sitting on the throne.

Tensions Rise in the Bathroom

The extended time spent sitting can increase pressure on anal tissues, weakening connective tissue over time and leading to painful conditions. Pasricha emphasizes that this passive pressure is a recipe for disaster.

A New Generation at Risk?

As younger users increasingly dive into their screens in the restroom, concerns rise about the potential for developing these conditions at an earlier age. A study of college students shows nearly universal phone use in the bathroom, raising alarms about the future of younger generations.

Haemorrhoids: A Common Concern

Haemorrhoids affect nearly a quarter of adults, and while many cases can resolve on their own, over 20,000 surgical treatments occur annually in the UK alone. Understanding this risk is critical.

Your Bathroom Fix: Set Limits!

If you can’t bear the thought of going phone-free, Dr. Pasricha offers sage advice: limit yourself to just two TikToks. This small change could mean the difference between comfort and a hard-to-ignore health issue.

So next time you find yourself scrolling in the bathroom, remember: your health is worth more than a few minutes online!