According to Dr Punam Krishan<\/a>, who appears on BBC<\/a> Morning Live, these include haemorrhoids, also known as piles, a weakened pelvic floor\u2014triggering continence issues\u2014and, in extreme cases, lead to a painful condition called rectal prolapse.<\/p>\n Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the back passage that can cause itching, discomfort, bleeding, and a persistent feeling of needing to pass stool.<\/p>\n Though often dismissed as minor or embarrassing, haemorrhoids are extremely common\u2014affecting an estimated one in three adults in the UK at some point.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n And the increase in prolonged toilet sitting, often coupled with mobile phone use, is quietly contributing to a rise in cases, Dr Krishnan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n In an Instagram\u00a0video posted<\/a>\u00a0to her 100,000 plus followers the resident doctor on BBC<\/a>\u00a0Morning Live said sitting on the loo for too long ‘puts constant pressure on veins’ and tissues of the lower rectum.<\/p>\n Over time, this can lead to the swelling and inflammation that characterise haemorrhoids.<\/p>\n Scrolling on the loo for minutes on end could trigger a host of health problems, one top NHS GP has warned\u00a0<\/p>\n In some cases, the pressure may also contribute to the weakening of muscles that support the rectum and anus, setting the stage for more serious complications.<\/p>\n One of these is rectal prolapse, a condition in which the rectum becomes stretched and begins to protrude from the anus, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n While less common, rectal prolapse is far more serious and often requires surgical intervention.<\/p>\n She added:\u00a0‘Long sitting spells actually slows down the flood flow to the leg.\u00a0Over time that can increase your risk of developing varicose vein.’<\/p>\n It is also ‘really bad’ for your pelvic floor as ‘straining on the toilet put pressure on your deep muscles that support your bladder and your bowel,’ she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n ‘In loads of countries people still squat to poo and there is a really good reason for doing that.<\/p>\n ‘Squatting naturally lines everything up. It changes the angle between your bowel and your bum so it is easier to go without having to strain.<\/p>\n ‘And actually in places where squatting is still the norm, people tend to have fewer problems with piles and constipation.’<\/p>\n A major study into Britain’s bowel habits revealed how long we spend on the toilet, when we like to go and how often<\/p>\n Doctors often refer to the Bristol Stool Chart in clinical practice to assess the health of a person’s bowel movements<\/p>\n She added: ‘When you go to the toilet, do your business, wash your hands and get out. Aim to keep it under ten minutes.’\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Although there is no universally agreed ‘safe’ length of time to spend on the toilet, most gastroenterologists agree that if a bowel movement doesn’t happen within five to ten minutes, it’s best to get up, move around and try again later.<\/p>\n Going for a short walk or gently moving the body can help stimulate bowel motility more naturally, without the need to strain.<\/p>\n Dietary habits also play a role. Low-fibre diets, dehydration and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to constipation and harder stools, which increase the likelihood of straining.<\/p>\n Doctors recommend eating more fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains, as well as drinking plenty of water throughout the day.<\/p>\n Physical activity, even just light daily movement, can also improve digestion and reduce the chances of constipation.<\/p>\n![\"Scrolling](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/99418795-14816631-image-a-1_1750078827623.jpg\")
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