[5 min read]
- If you're reading this during a bio break, this blog is for you.
- Lots of us multitask in the bathroom: scrolling on social media, catching up on emails and sharing our favorite memes, but that extra time in the "reading room" may have some surprising health consequences.
- A Providence Swedish Redmond physician explains "Tik Tok Tush" and how extended time on the toilet can lead to hemmorroids, fissures and other troublesome anorectal issues.
For many people, a trip to the bathroom has become an opportunity to catch up on social media, answer texts or watch videos, turning a quick bathroom break into 20 or 30 minutes of scrolling.
Doctors are seeing the consequences of this growing habit, sometimes referred to as “TikTok Tush.”
“It’s a common issue,” says Bowen He, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Providence Swedish Redmond Primary Care. “People get distracted and spend too much time on the toilet.”
While it may seem harmless, prolonged sitting can contribute to a variety of health problems, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Why sitting too long is a problem
Unlike sitting in a chair, sitting on a toilet places pressure on the tissues and blood vessels around the rectum. Over time, that pressure can cause problems.
“Sitting on the toilet too long causes blood to pool in the rectal veins and can cause hemorrhoids,” says Dr. He.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, itching, pain and bleeding. The longer someone sits on the toilet, the more likely those veins are to become enlarged.
Extended bathroom sessions can also increase the risk of anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anal canal.
“They’re usually caused by trauma from passing hard stool or repeated straining,” says Dr. He. “The longer they sit, they more people tend to strain.”
Prolonged toilet sitting can also cause pelvic floor muscle dysfunction that leads to weak pelvic floor muscles over time.
The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in supporting the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. When these muscles don’t function properly, people may experience issues with bowel movements, bladder control and pelvic discomfort.
Warnings signs to watch for
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids and other bathroom-related issues include:
- Red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
- Itching or pain around the anus
- Hemorrhoids that protrude or “pop out”
Dr. He recommends seeing a doctor if you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, prolapsing hemorrhoids or symptoms that continue to worsen over time.
Healthier bathroom habits
The good news is that a few simple changes can help lower your risk.
Dr. He recommends:
- Keeping bathroom visits short and avoid scrolling on your phone
- Going as soon as you feel the urge to have a bowel movement
- Avoiding straining
- Eating a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated
Treating constipation early
Using a footstool, such as a Squatty Potty, to improve positioning
If you’re constipated, don’t sit and wait.
“You should get up and try again later rather than forcing it,” says Dr. He. “Try coffee, plenty of water, a fiber supplement and exercise to get things moving.
The bottom line: If your bathroom breaks routinely turn into social media sessions, it may be time to put the phone down. Your body will thank you.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, Providence Swedish is here for you. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your clinician to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
World Cup, concerts and festivals: An ER doctor’s guide to staying safe this summer
Buckle up. Wear a helmet. And other words of wisdom from an ER doc.
Your eyes need SPF too. Learn why UV protection for your eyes matters in the summer
The best ER visit is the one you never have to make
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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