DW: To stay away from my children, I will risk these health issues.
Doctors are warning against spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet, saying that prolonged sitting can lead to health issues like hemorrhoids and weakened pelvic muscles. Dr. Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at UT Southwestern, explains that extended toilet time disrupts blood flow to the lower body due to gravity and the toilet’s shape, which puts pressure on blood vessels and can increase the risk of hemorrhoids. “It becomes a one-way valve where blood enters but really can’t go back,” says Xue, emphasizing that even time spent scrolling on a phone can lead to straining and muscle weakness.
To avoid these risks, doctors suggest keeping phones and reading materials out of the bathroom and limiting toilet time to 5-10 minutes. If someone struggles to relieve themselves, Dr. Farah Monzur advises trying short walks to stimulate bowel movement or incorporating fiber-rich foods and water into their diet to promote regularity. In more serious cases, extended time on the toilet could signal issues like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or even colorectal cancer, so Monzur recommends seeking medical advice if symptoms persist.
Source: CNN