Using Your Phone While You Poop Can Lead to Hemorrhoids. (And That’s A Pain in The Butt.)

Okay, confession time: most of us bring our phones into the bathroom. But what if that habit is quietly sabotaging our behinds? A New York Times article published on September 30, 2025, draws attention to just that: how prolonged phone use on the toilet might worsen constipation, strain, and the risk of hemorrhoids. (Yes — the New York Times is talking butt science now, and we’re here for it.)

What the NYT Is Saying

It highlights a worrying trend observed by clinicians: “toilet multitasking” — scrolling, doomscrolling, checking email — extends sitting time and increases pressure on the rectal veins. The longer you linger, the more strain you invite. It also connects the phenomenon to constipation, delayed evacuation, and discomfort. Bottom line: your phone might be your behind’s worst enemy.

We salute The New York Times for putting this in the spotlight — the butt’s got representation in real journalism now.

What the Broader Research Suggests

It’s not just anecdotal,several recent studies back up the concern:

A PLOS One study among colonoscopy patients found that 66% admitted to phone use during bathroom breaks, and more than a third routinely spent over five minutes per session. Even after adjusting for diet, age, BMI, and straining, smartphone usage was associated with a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids.
Other news outlets — The Washington Post, Axios, ScienceAlert, and The Guardian — have echoed the warning: your scroll habit might be doing damage.
Some medical commentary even jokes about limiting phone use to “two TikToks only” while on the loo — a snappy tagline, but with a grain of serious advice behind it.

These findings reinforce what gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists have long known: extended toilet sitting isn’t benign.

Why Your Butt Actually Cares

Hemorrhoids—swollen or inflamed veins in the rectal region—are super common. They lead to itching, burning, pain, bleeding, and general annoyance. Millions seek treatment each year.

When you stay seated longer (especially while doing non-toilet business like reading or scrolling), you increase pressure in the anal and rectal veins. Over time, this constant strain weakens vascular walls and aggravates hemorrhoidal cushions. Add in constipation or firm stool, and the risk compounds.

The NYT article, plus supporting studies, suggest a simple but powerful idea: reduce sitting time. Use the bathroom for the business, not the binge.

Practical Tips to Save Your Butt

Make the bathroom phone-free. Out of sight, out of mind.
Set a strict time limit, say 3–5 minutes. If nothing happens, get up.
Optimize your stool with fiber, hydration, movement. Soft stool means less pushing.
Adopt supportive posture. Elevate your feet slightly (a stool helps) so your hips/knees mimic a squatting position — easier on the rectum.
Have a go-to post-wipe care product. This is where Anything Butt comes in (keep reading below).
Be generally active. Sitting all day + scrolling on the toilet = the perfect storm for hemorrhoid woes.

Why Anything Butt Should Be in Your Daily Routine

Even with the best habits, life happens: hard stool, an unexpected flare, or irritation. When that happens, you want gentle, effective support. That’s why we created Anything Butt — a natural balm crafted for those oh–so-sensitive moments.

Soothes irritation, redness, and burning
Supports skin recovery (rich in botanical oils, soothing agents, vitamin E)
Leaves a non-greasy, comfortable barrier
Offers an optional CBD infusion for extra anti-inflammatory support

Think of it as your butt’s little spa treatment after a rough day.

Final Thoughts (Yes, There’s a Butt Joke)

So the next time your phone pings, just don’t bring it into the bathroom. The science — from The New York Times and beyond — is speaking: long toilet sessions and screen time are not a match made in heaven.

Thank you, NYT, for bringing butt hygiene into reputable pages. And if your behind ever feels a bit overworked — well, you know where to come.