Many people bring their phones to the bathroom, turning a quick toilet break into a long scrolling session, and now experts say this could be harmful to our health. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Lai Xue says that sitting on the toilet for an extended period of time can increase the risk of hemorrhoids and weaken pelvic muscles. "When patients present to me with complaints, one of the main areas we have to delve deeply into is spending a lot of time on the toilet," explained Xue. You should spend no more than five to ten minutes on the toilet. Extended sitting can put pressure on blood circulation because of your position on the seat. This can lead to enlarged veins around the rectum, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids, and straining to pass stool while scrolling can make this worse, according to experts. The pelvic floor muscles, essential for smooth bowel movements, can also weaken with prolonged sitting on the toilet. To avoid staying too long on the toilet, it's best to skip distractions like phones or books. Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods and staying active can also help prevent straining. Worsening constipation or prolonged toilet sitting could also be a sign of cancer, as growth in the colon could potentially prevent stool from passing through. You should talk to your doctor if you've had constipation or discomfort on the toilet for more than three weeks.