NHS doctor urges people to never use phone on toilet for surprising re

An NHS GP has shared an important reminder about shared bathroom habits, highlighting an important ’10 minute’ rule everyone should follow. Dr George, who is also an NHS surgeon and author of the Sunday Times bestseller This Book Could Save Your Life. Karan Rajan has issued a warning to raise awareness about something that many people may not know about.

Dr Rajan highlighted the risks of sitting on the toilet for too long and straining too much, explaining that even if this feels normal and you’re enjoying sitting there scrolling through your phone, you’re unknowingly causing health problems that can leave you in pain.

He warned that staying on the toilet for a long time increases the pressure on the rectum and butt, and noted that the smartphone is not the only distraction. The same problem occurs when using a tablet or even reading a newspaper.

The medical expert explained that many people may not be aware, but even the shape of the toilet seat can cause problems. She said: “Because the toilet seat has been cut off, your rectum hangs lower than the rest of your rear end.”

As a result, gravity causes blood to pool in the rectal veins. He further explained: “Gravity kicks in and blood begins to pool, pool and clot in these rectal veins. Added in a little strain and pushing, this creates even more pressure, causing the veins to swell, resulting in hemorrhoids, also known as hemorrhoids or burnt grapes.”

“Basically, it’s swelling of the blood vessels around your hip. Hemorrhoids cause pain, itching, and bleeding.” According to actually NHSOther signs of this are:

• bright red blood after pooping
• itchy anus
• feeling like you still need to poop after going to the toilet
• Mucus on your underwear or toilet paper after wiping your butt
• lumps around your anus
• pain around the anus

The doctor noted “take-home points” and concluded that you should only go to the toilet when you need to. You should also avoid straining yourself and never spend more than 10 minutes on the toilet.

It is important to know when to seek medical attention for hemorrhoids. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you should take the following precautions:

See a GP if:

• Symptoms do not improve after 7 days of self-treatment

• You keep piling up (recurring episodes)

• If you notice unusual changes around the anus that are not normal for you

Request an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:

• You have a very high fever or feel generally unwell (feverish, hot, cold, or shivering).

• Pus oozes from his piles

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• You are bleeding constantly or there is a significant amount of blood

• The toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots

• You are experiencing severe pain