'I'm a doctor - this is why you must stop scrolling on your phone on the toilet'

'I'm a doctor - this is why you must stop scrolling on your phone on the toilet'You may not realise that you could be risking serious health issuesCommentsNewsFiona Callingham Lifestyle writer02:30, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesA doctor issued a warning about using your phone while on the toilet(Image: Getty)A stomach doctor has issued a gruesome warning telling people to “stop” scrolling on your phone while using the toilet. Spending a lot of time sitting and scrolling on the loo could pose a serious health risk.‌As smartphones have become more popular and advanced, people have become more used to taking them with us everywhere we go. And this includes into the bathroom, with one YouGov poll showing that 57 per cent of Brits often use their phone while sitting on the toilet.‌While this may seem harmless, it could actually be damaging to our bodies. In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, said: “Stop scrolling through the phone while using the toilet.‌“Hi, I'm a board-certified gastroenterologist, so hit that follow button for more such gut health tips.” Firstly, he cautioned that this common habit could result in haemorrhoids.View 3 ImagesA poll found that more than half of Brits admit to using their phone on the toilet(Image: Getty)He said: “While it may seem harmless to scroll through your social media feed or answer some emails while on the toilet, it can actually have some serious consequences. “First, you using your phone while doing number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet, which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus. This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even rectal prolapse.”‌He added: “Another issue is that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat.Content cannot be displayed without consent“Try avoiding scrolling while using the to...