Why Doctors Don't Want Us To Sit On The Toilet For More Than 10 Minutes

If you've ever taken your phone with you into the bathroom and sat on the toilet doom-scrolling, you're in the majority. According to a June 2021 survey by Vioguard, Inc. (via PR Newswire), a whopping 73% of people admit to using their phone on the toilet. While it may make sense for some to multi-task, so to speak, sitting on the toilet too long is actually problematic. In fact, doctors recommend you get your butt off far before the 10-minute mark.

Not only is there an issue with bacteria coming into contact with your phone (although a 2017 study by the University of Michigan found cell phones are 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat), but your body simply can't handle it. As much as sitting, even without straining or pushing to poop, may seem innocent enough, it can actually cause hemorrhoids to flare up. "Hemorrhoids are a collection of veins inside and outside the anus. Everyone has hemorrhoids. We are born with them," colorectal surgeon Dr. Karen Zaghiyan told Healthline. "[Sitting too long can] cause the hemorrhoids to engorge with blood, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or bleeding." Although rare, hemorrhoids can lead to anemia and/or blood clots, per Mayo Clinic.

Because hemorrhoids aren't the only thing you'll end up battling due to sitting on the toilet too long, Health Digest spoke exclusively with Dr. Jason Singh, who is Chief Medical Officer and Physician at One Oak Medical, about other potential risks. You'll definitely be up and off that toilet as fast as possible once you know what else might be coming your way.

When you sit in the oval-shaped opening of a toilet, gravity is at play. While your butt is on the seat, there is a downward pressure happening, even if you don't realize it. This, of course, helps in passing waste. But it also causes a pulling motion against the rectum — a part of the body that you don't want pulled at for too long, because you want it to stay in place.

"Rectal prolapse can happen as a risk from prolonged sitting with downward straining because that increases intra-abdominal pressure, weakening supportive ligaments and muscles around the rectum," said Singh. "Over time, this pressure can cause the rectal wall to protrude through the anal opening." In other words, when the rectum prolapses, you just might be able to see it.

Although the Cleveland Clinic estimates that only 2.5 in every 1,000 people will experience a prolapsed rectum and it's not exactly a serious matter, per se, it can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to fecal incontinence. Only surgery will fix the situation if you're an adult; in a child, it may resolve itself on its own. Those who are most at risk for rectal prolapse, according to Singh, are the elderly, people who suffer from chronic constipation, and those who are post-partum.

If you've heard of Kegel exercises — even if you've yet to make them part of your daily routine — then you probably know that they're done to strengthen the pelvic floor. However, if you're doing your Kegels regularly, but also frequently sitting on the toilet for longer than 10 minutes, you can consider the exercises a wash.

"Extended toilet sitting, especially with straining, overstretches the pelvic floor muscles," said Singh. "These muscles support vital organs and maintain continence. Continuous stretching weakens their tension and contractility." Similar to a rectal prolapse, some people are more at risk than others when it comes to weakened pelvic floor muscles. In this case, age and pregnancy also play a role, as does obesity.

It's also worth noting that having a strong pelvic floor can increase sexual satisfaction. According to a 2020 study published in Investigative and Clinical Urology, there's a direct link between pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and orgasm achievement in those with vulvas. A 2014 study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavia found that sexual functions — including desire, excitement, orgasms, and lubrication — are higher in those with stronger pelvic floor muscles (just in case you need an extra reason to cut down on toilet time).

Since we can all agree that incontinence on any level — urinary or fecal — is a nightmare situation and no one wants the insides of their body on the outside, you can do something today to decrease your chances of such things: Get off the toilet. "Limit toilet time to five minutes maximum and use proper posture," said Singh. That means feet elevated, ideally on a Squatty Potty or something similar, and slightly leaning forward.

You also want to make sure your lifestyle isn't standing in your way, but instead helping you go to the bathroom quickly. Eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly for "bowel motility," according to Singh, is also paramount in limiting toilet time. Also, be aware of your body and what it's up to, so you can stay ahead of any problems. "Early intervention is crucial," he said. "Any symptoms like bulging, pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements warrant immediate medical attention."