Scrolling on TikTok could be a real pain in the tush for anyone who’s ever suffered from hemorrhoids.
If you want to prevent them, one gastroenterologist insists you’ll need to give the clock app a rest when you’re going number two — no ifs, ands, or uncomfortable butts about it.
And his “10-15” rule may be a huge help keeping your bum healthy come toilet time.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can lead to pain, itching, and bleeding. Though they usually clear up on their own, they can become serious enough to require medical attention and even surgery.
Frequently, they form due to too much straining during a bowel movement, but just kicking back on the can for too long — like when you’re texting or on social media — can hurt you too.
Enter “TikTok Tush.”
“One common cause is due to sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time,” Dr. David L Schwarzbaum, a gastroenterologist, told HuffPost.
“This is because when one’s bottom is in the space of the toilet seat, the blood will pool in the lowest point and cause increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, leading to hemorrhoids.”
So while scrolling TikTok atop the porcelain throne may make the whole experience — more pleasant? less boring? — it’s also a distraction from what you’re there to do and often leads to more time on the bowl.
“I tell my patients that prolonged sitting on the toilet causes blood to pool in your anal veins which may cause hemorrhoids to form, so you’re best to not spend time sitting and scrolling,” TikTok’s Dr. Joe cautioned his followers, racking up 11.4 million views.
Dermatologist Heather Kornmehl, MD, warned her TikTok followers not to scroll on the toilet, too.
“Sitting for prolonged periods of time on the toilet can contribute to hemorrhoid formation,” she said.
So how long is too long, exactly? Dr. Schwarzbaum advises sticking to his 10-15 minute rule.
“I would generally recommend trying to limit bowel movements to 10-15 minutes at most to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids,” he said. “I also counsel them to avoid scrolling on phones or reading for prolonged periods on the toilet. If you need a break from the rest of the world, sit on top of the toilet seat.”
Dr. Karen Zaghiyan, a colorectal surgeon in Los Angeles, is even more conservative with her recommendation.
“People spend way too much time on the toilet,” she said, and “a lot of people make it a habit of reading their emails or watching TikTok or Instagram while they’re on the pot.”
“Really minimizing your toilet time to less than five minutes allows you to go, empty, get up and move on with your day.”
