Here's the Problem with Sitting on the Toilet Too Long

Sitting on the toilet for too long can take a major toll on your health. But why is that the case? Here's what you need to know.

Sitting on the Toilet for Too Long: What's the Problem?

While there’s no specific period of time that’s safe or unsafe when you’re hanging out in the bathroom, experts suggest spending no more than 10-15 minutes doing your business to reduce your hemorrhoid risk. (Ideally, however, you’d avoid distractions like scrolling on your phone, since it can lead to a condition known as ‘TikTok tush’ and finish passing your bowel movement in five minutes or less.) Why is that shorter time-frame so important?

When you sit on the toilet for an extended time period, you compress some of the nerves in your perineum. (The portion of skin between the anus and scrotum for men, or the anus and vulva for women.) So, right off the bat, you may experience numbness in the area. And, your feet and legs could even start tingling once you stand up after finishing your business.

Moreover, when you're sitting too long on the toilet, you put a lot of pressure on your anus and rectum because remaining in this position causes blood to pool in your anal veins. That's true whenever you sit for too long, but perching on the toilet adds extra pressure to the area because the cut-out center of the seat allows the rectum to sit lower than your buttocks. And, with all that pressure, you're more likely to develop hemorrhoids

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are simply veins in your rectum that become enlarged. But why does the pressure of sitting too long on the toilet increase your risk for these enlarged veins? Well, when you're sitting down, the force of gravity allows blood to pool in your rectal veins. That puts pressure on the veins, impeding blood flow and allowing them to bulge. Soon, you may experience symptoms such as pain, itching or bleeding when you pass a bowel movement. (That last symptom is associated with internal hemorrhoids, which form inside your rectum.) At that point, it's time to seek relief with hemorrhoid treatment.

Internal Hemorrhoid Relief in Houston and Dallas

Been sitting on the toilet too long and now you're experiencing unpleasant internal hemorrhoid symptoms? We're here to help! Click here to request an appointment Click here to request an appointment Click here to request an appointment with our interventional radiologists at the Texas Hemorrhoid Institute. When you come in, we'll review your minimally invasive treatment options!