Health experts warn that using your phone while on the toilet can increase the risk of developing serious health issues. A recent incident involving a man who suffered a serious health complication due to this habit has brought attention to this issue.
Man Suffers Severe Health Complication Due to Phone Usage on the Toilet
A hospital in Zhengzhou, China, recently treated a 33-year-old male patient who experienced a severe case of rectal prolapse while using the toilet.
According to the patient, he was sitting on the toilet when he felt intense pain and noticed a significant amount of blood. A section of his intestine, approximately 13cm long, had prolapsed.
Doctors diagnosed the patient with third-degree rectal prolapse, the most severe form of this condition. If left untreated, the patient’s condition could have worsened, and even a slight cough could have caused the intestine to prolapse again.
Upon investigating the patient’s medical history and daily habits, doctors discovered that he often squatted over the toilet (a squat toilet) and spent extended periods watching short videos on his phone. These sessions could last for hours, sometimes up to two hours at a time.
Medical professionals advise limiting the time spent on the toilet. Ideally, one should not spend more than 5-10 minutes on the toilet. Prolonged periods increase the risk of developing health issues such as hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and rectal mucosal prolapse.

The Dangers of Using Your Phone on the Toilet
- Increased Risk of Infection
Bathrooms are breeding grounds for various bacteria. When you flush a toilet, bacteria can become airborne and spread to nearby surfaces, including your phone. To minimize the spread of harmful bacteria, get into the habit of putting the toilet seat down before flushing.
- Hemorrhoids
Prolonged sitting can cause the veins around the anus to swell and become painful. When sitting on a toilet, especially a squat toilet, the hips are elevated, increasing the pressure on the veins in the anal region.
- Brain Blood Flow Reduction
Spending too much time on the toilet can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness and lightheadedness. When you’re engrossed in your phone, you may lose track of time, and the lack of movement can hinder proper blood circulation to the brain. Over time, this can accelerate brain degeneration and increase the risk of cognitive decline.
- Constipation and Digestive Issues
Using your phone on the toilet for extended periods may contribute to digestive issues such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon contractions in the long run.
- Acne
Taking your phone into the bathroom increases the likelihood of bacteria transferring from the phone to your face, especially when you touch your face while using your phone. This can lead to skin inflammation and acne breakouts.