Why Sitting On The Toilet Too Long Is Worse Than You Think

The bathroom is a private space used for many activities like bubble baths, shaving, makeup application, and of course, pooping. It wasn't too long ago that you would often find magazine racks inside these private sanctuaries across America, and that really shouldn't come as a shocker as bathroom reading material has always been a thing — and really still is. How often do you find yourself bringing your smartphone into the bathroom with you when it's time to do your business?  

We do admit that being uninterrupted while sitting in silence and peace can be a nice reprieve during the day. However, you may want to consider changing your position after a few minutes, as sitting on the toilet bowl for too long can cause an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition. The Cleveland Clinic reports that your actual pooping time should last no longer than five minutes, and with minimal straining (i.e. pushing). 

According to The Healthy, sitting on the toilet bowl for too long can cause hemorrhoids to appear, and if you have never had one, you might be thinking, what in the world is a hemorrhoid? Also called "piles," hemorrhoids are veins that swell in the lowest part of the rectum. The Mayo Clinic reports that these veins are similar to varicose veins, and they can swell inside the anus and cause a bit of bleeding. On the outside, they can cause a small bulge in the anal area. Symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids can be a bit scary, as you can experience bleeding, pain, itching, and swelling. Causes of hemorrhoids include sitting too long on the toilet, pushing or straining during a bowel movement, pregnancy, and being overweight. 

To avoid hemorrhoid flares, experts at Harvard Medical School suggest getting more fiber in your diet, exercising, getting more fluids in, and waiting to use the bathroom until you are ready.

The Healthy reports that typically, these symptoms resolve in about a week, but if they don't, be sure to contact your doctor. Otherwise, hemorrhoids can truly become a real pain in the-you-know-what.