Do you often take your phone with you to the toilet? If so, you could be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing haemorrhoids according to a leading Professor of gastroenterology.
Approximately four out of five people admit to taking their phones to the toilet. However, as Professor Chris Berney, an Australian Gastroenterologist warns, it could be driving an increase in haemorrhoids in younger patients.
Here, we’ll look at why taking your phone to the toilet can increase your risk of haemorrhoids.
How can taking your phone to the toilet increase the risk?
Taking your phone to the toilet might seem like an innocent thing to do. However, experts believe it is contributing towards the development of haemorrhoids in younger patients.
There have been numerous studies over the years which have shown taking your phone to the toilet increases the risk of haemorrhoids. It is believed to be linked with spending longer periods of time on the toilet. Your phone acts as a distraction, meaning you’ll spend more time on the loo with it than without it.
The average person is said to spend between twenty minutes and half an hour on the toilet when they have their smartphone with them. So, it isn’t the use of the smartphone itself that increases the risk, it’s the longer period of time spent on the toilet that is the problem.
How are haemorrhoids treated?
Haemorrhoids can be treated in a number of ways. For smaller, milder haemorrhoids, creams, injections and banding can all help to clear them up. However, if the haemorrhoids are larger, surgery may be the only treatment option suitable.
There are some things you can do at home to reduce symptoms and help to clear up mild haemorrhoids quickly. These include drinking plenty of water, eating fibre-rich foods, and exercising regularly.
Everything you need to know about haemorrhoid surgery
If you do require haemorrhoid surgery, it can understandably be daunting. There are several newer techniques which are less painful than traditional haemorrhoidectomy. They can be performed without general anaesthesia and include thermal ablation (Raphaelo technique) ligation and stapling.
Excisional haemorrhoidectomy involves dissecting the haemorrhoid off the anal muscles and leaves sensitive open wounds. It is used much less frequently these days. This should therefore help to avoid complications such as anal narrowing and anal fissure (split) which might require further surgery.
So, if you take your phone to the toilet with you, you might want to pay attention to how much time you spend there. If you want to avoid developing haemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to spend less than 3 minutes on the toilet, being careful not to over-strain.
For more information about treating haemorrhoids, you can speak in confidence by booking a consultation with Alan Woodward on 03000 204 734.
