What if I told you that your smartphone could be the culprit behind a painful condition that affects millions? Yes, that’s right! Hemorrhoids are on the rise, and modern habits like scrolling through social media in the bathroom might be to blame.

Recent research indicates that a staggering one in three people undergoing colonoscopies are diagnosed with hemorrhoids. This uncomfortable reality translates to approximately 4 million visits to doctors and hospitals each year for treatments related to this condition. But it’s not just the numbers that are alarming—the hemorrhoid treatment market is projected to skyrocket from $1.67 billion in 2024 to a jaw-dropping $2.6 billion by 2034, according to Market Research Future.

What’s fueling this surge? Well, a report from DailyMail.com highlights a five-fold increase in Americans searching for hemorrhoid information online from 2004 to 2023. Clearly, more people are feeling the heat—literally! Hemorrhoids, often referred to as piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, akin to varicose veins. They can be internal, meaning they form inside the rectum, or external, appearing around the anus.

Experts are pointing fingers at our modern lifestyles as a significant factor. Many factors contribute to hemorrhoids, such as straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting. However, a 2021 survey revealed a shocking statistic: approximately 75% of Americans now bring their phones to the bathroom, and for young adults aged 18 to 29, that number soars to nearly 100%!

This extended bathroom time, driven by our incessant need to check notifications or scroll through TikTok, increases pressure on the veins down there. In fact, the recent study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston found that toilet phone use correlates with a startling 46% increased risk for developing hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include discomfort, bleeding during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. In severe cases, a lump may form around the anus, leading to pain and tenderness. Notably, almost 75% of adults will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, a statistic that would make anyone squirm.

While most cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, some individuals might face more serious complications, like rectal prolapse, which can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms but requires more extensive medical interventions. Prevention, as they say, is better than cure!

In a survey presented at the Digestive Diseases Week conference, researchers considered 125 participants undergoing colonoscopies; over 40% had hemorrhoids, and an astounding 93% used their phones while on the toilet at least weekly. Among them, 50% read news, 44% scrolled through social media, and 30% were busy texting.

Moreover, smartphone users spent significantly longer on the toilet—37% sat there for more than six minutes compared to just 7% of non-users. Respondents who acknowledged that their phone use extended their bathroom time echoed this sentiment.

Doctors recommend that if you aren’t able to go within about 5 to 10 minutes, it might be best to get up and try again later. Gentle movement can stimulate bowel activity naturally, easing discomfort and reducing straining. And let’s not overlook the importance of a fiber-rich diet: fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains should be staples in our meals. Hydration is key too!

So, should we consider leaving our phones out of our bathroom routines? Dr. Farah Monzur, director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine, advocates for treating bathroom visits as functional events rather than social media catch-ups. She suggests minimizing the interest factor to deter prolonged sitting. After all, the longer we sit, the higher the risks!