Is it unhealthy to sit on the toilet for a long time?

October 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to colorectal surgeons, prolonged toilet sessions exceeding 10 to 15 minutes significantly increase your risk of hemorrhoids and other health issues. This fact makes many question, is it unhealthy to sit on the toilet for a long time?

Quick Summary

Spending too long on the toilet is linked to several health problems, including hemorrhoids, weakened pelvic floor muscles, and rectal prolapse. This occurs due to increased pressure on the rectal veins from prolonged sitting, a habit often fueled by distractions like smartphones. Limiting bathroom breaks and improving gut health are key preventive measures.

Key Points

Time Limit: Medical experts recommend spending no more than 10-15 minutes on the toilet to avoid health risks.
Hemorrhoid Risk: Prolonged sitting increases pressure on rectal veins, causing blood to pool and swell, leading to hemorrhoids.
Pelvic Floor Damage: Excessive time and straining can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, contributing to issues like incontinence and constipation.
Avoid Distractions: Leaving smartphones and other reading materials out of the bathroom prevents overstaying and protects your health.
Healthy Habits: Eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, exercising, and using a footstool can improve bowel regularity and shorten toilet sessions.
Know When to Seek Help: Persistent issues, such as chronic constipation or bleeding, require a consultation with a doctor.

For many, the bathroom can feel like a sanctuary, a quiet place to catch up on social media, read a book, or simply escape. However, what feels like a harmless habit may be silently undermining your health. Experts widely agree that spending more than 10 to 15 minutes on the toilet is not advisable and can lead to a number of gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal issues. The health implications stem from a combination of gravity, poor posture, and increased pressure on the body’s sensitive rectal and pelvic regions.

The Anatomy and Physics of Prolonged Toilet Sitting

When sitting on a toilet, the position allows gravity to affect blood circulation in the rectum. The open seat compresses surrounding tissue, while rectal veins face increased pressure. This can hinder blood return to the heart, leading to swelling, particularly in rectal veins. Distractions like phones contribute to this issue by extending the time spent in this position.

Key Health Risks Associated with Long Toilet Time

Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. This is a common risk of long toilet sessions. The pressure from prolonged sitting, along with gravity, can cause rectal veins to swell. Straining during bowel movements, often linked to extended toilet time, further increases this risk. Symptoms can vary from itching to pain and bleeding.

Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles

The pelvic floor muscles support organs like the bladder and intestines. Prolonged sitting and straining on the toilet can weaken these muscles, potentially leading to constipation, incontinence, and pelvic pain.

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum moves out of place and protrudes from the anus. Weakened pelvic muscles and consistent straining from long toilet sessions are risk factors. This condition is more common in women and individuals over 50.

Impact on Bowel Habits

Spending a long time on the toilet is often a sign of constipation, not a cure. Staying seated for extended periods increases pressure and risks, while straining is counterproductive and harmful.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Bathroom Habits: A Comparison


Aspect	Healthy Habit	Unhealthy Habit
Timing	Limit sessions to 10-15 minutes max; ideally, a few minutes is sufficient.	Staying on the toilet for extended periods (20+ minutes).
Distractions	Keep phones, books, and magazines out of the bathroom.	Scrolling through social media or reading on the toilet, losing track of time.
Post-Attempt	If no bowel movement occurs after a few minutes, get up and try again later.	{Link: huffpost.com https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toilet-habit-hemorrhoids_l_66bb6a0de4b0b1dc5302eef3}.
Dietary Intake	Ensure high-fiber intake (25-38g/day) and adequate hydration.	Low-fiber diet and poor hydration, leading to hard stools and constipation.
Posture	Use a footstool to elevate feet and promote a squatting position.	Sitting with feet flat, which constrains the rectum and increases pressure.

Strategies to Shorten Your Time on the Toilet

To reduce the health risks associated with long bathroom visits, consider these strategies:

Create a No-Phone Zone: Avoid bringing phones or reading material into the bathroom to prevent lingering.
Listen to Your Body: Only use the toilet when you feel the urge. If nothing happens after a few minutes, get up and try again later.
Improve Your Diet: Consume a fiber-rich diet with plenty of water to promote regular, easy bowel movements.
Elevate Your Feet: Use a footstool to mimic a squatting position, which can ease bowel movements.
Stay Active: Regular exercise helps stimulate gut muscles and aids digestion.
Manage Underlying Constipation: If constipation is an issue, consider increasing fiber, fluids, or seeking medical advice.

When to See a Doctor

While lifestyle changes can manage many toilet-related issues, consult a doctor if you experience persistent symptoms for more than three weeks. These include {Link: huffpost.com https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toilet-habit-hemorrhoids_l_66bb6a0de4b0b1dc5302eef3}. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend further steps, including referral to a specialist.

Conclusion

So, {Link: huffpost.com https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toilet-habit-hemorrhoids_l_66bb6a0de4b0b1dc5302eef3} Yes, prolonged toilet use, often due to distractions like smartphones, significantly increases the risk of hemorrhoids, weakened pelvic muscles, and other conditions. By limiting your time on the toilet, avoiding distractions, and adopting healthier habits, you can protect your digestive and pelvic health. {Link: huffpost.com https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toilet-habit-hemorrhoids_l_66bb6a0de4b0b1dc5302eef3}

USA Hemorrhoid Centers provides more information on how prolonged sitting impacts hemorrhoid development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most experts recommend limiting your time on the toilet to no more than 10 to 15 minutes. If a bowel movement does not occur within this time, it is better to get up and try again later rather than straining or waiting.

Yes, prolonged sitting on the toilet is a major risk factor for hemorrhoids. The position and gravitational forces increase pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell.

'TikTok tush' is a slang term referring to the health problems, particularly hemorrhoids, caused by excessive smartphone use on the toilet. Distracted scrolling causes people to sit for longer periods, increasing the risk of associated issues.

Yes, using a phone is one of the primary reasons people spend too much time on the toilet. This extended sitting time is what directly leads to increased rectal pressure and health issues like hemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles.

Signs of weakened pelvic floor muscles can include constipation, difficulty emptying your bowels, urinary or fecal incontinence (leaking), and painful urination. Prolonged sitting and straining can contribute to this condition.

To promote easier bowel movements, increase your dietary fiber intake (25-38 grams daily), drink plenty of water, and stay active. Using a footstool to elevate your feet can also help achieve a better posture for elimination.

{Link: huffpost.com https://www.huffpost.com/entry/toilet-habit-hemorrhoids_l_66bb6a0de4b0b1dc5302eef3}