Smartphone use in the bathroom raise risk of hemorrhoids. Really!

I have serious doubts about these claims!

"Hemorrhoids are among the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, sending millions of people to clinics and emergency rooms each year and costing the health system hundreds of millions of dollars.

Despite their prevalence, the causes remain poorly defined. Constipation, straining, pregnancy, and low-fiber diets have all been implicated, but physician-investigator Trisha Pasricha and colleagues wondered whether the modern habit of lingering in the bathroom with a phone might also play a role.

In a study of 125 adults undergoing routine colonoscopy at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the team surveyed participants about toilet habits, smartphone use, diet, and activity levels, then compared responses with direct colonoscopy findings. 

The results revealed some surprising patterns:

• Two-thirds of participants admitted to using their phones on the toilet.
• Smartphone use on the toilet was associated with a 46 percent increased risk of having hemorrhoids.
• Phone users were five times more likely to sit for more than five minutes per trip.
• Younger adults were especially prone to the habit.
• Smartphone users reported less weekly exercise than non-users.

..."

Does this cellphone habit raise risk of hemorrhoids? — Harvard Gazette "Gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha discusses why new findings may change how you think about bathroom routines"

Gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha. She cares about hemorrhoids. Too bad I don't have any hemorrhoids! Just kidding! 😊