A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston found that using a smartphone while on the toilet is associated with a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids.[1][2][3] The research included 125 adult patients who underwent colonoscopy and completed a questionnaire about toilet habits.[3][4] Colonoscopy confirmed hemorrhoids in 43% of participants.[1][2] Smartphone users spent longer on the toilet, with 37% sitting for more than 5 minutes, compared to 7% of non-users.[3][4] A study published in the journal PLOS One showed that sitting for long periods of time without pelvic support increases the risk.[1][4] Lead author Trisha Pasricha reported that after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, BMI, fiber intake and exercise, the association remained with a 46% higher risk.[1][2]