According to Dr. Joe, it’s not just the act of sitting that’s harmful—it’s the position your body is in while sitting on a toilet. Unlike a regular chair, a toilet seat puts your lower body in a compromised position that makes blood pooling more likely.
He bluntly warned, “Get off that toilet seat,” telling viewers that the habit could come back to haunt them. Even short daily scrolls can lead to chronic issues if the behavior becomes routine.
A 2021 Vioguard poll found that 73% of Americans admit to using their phones while in the bathroom. Among younger adults aged 18 to 29, that number jumps to a shocking 93%.
Scrolling memes or replying to texts while seated may seem innocent, but it’s setting the stage for long-term damage. Doctors say this habit has contributed to an increase in hemorrhoid cases, especially among younger generations.
The Mayo Clinic also confirms that sitting for long periods, particularly on the toilet, is one of the top causes of hemorrhoids. The added pressure causes veins to bulge, swell, and eventually become irritated.
Other contributing factors include straining during bowel movements, obesity, heavy lifting, chronic constipation, and a low-fiber diet. But the modern phone habit adds an entirely new and preventable trigger to the list.
