Scrolling on the seat? Think again

Published on 14 November 2025

Your toilet may double as your screen time zone, but doctors say spending more than 10 to 15 minutes on the loo could hurt your bottom.

At a glance

• Sitting on the toilet for over 15 minutes strains rectal veins and can cause piles or constipation.
• Prolonged sitting limits blood flow and may lead to leg numbness.
• Weak pelvic muscles from over-sitting can trigger incontinence.

How long do you spend in the toilet each day? Five minutes, ten, maybe long enough to finish a few videos? What feels like a harmless break can quietly strain your bowels, veins and pelvic muscles.

“With the modern-day habit of doomscrolling on our phones, we tend to lose track of time and spend an extended amount of time sitting on the toilet bowl,” said Dr Kwee Yi Ning, Family Physician, National University Polyclinics (NUP).

Doctors warn that this everyday ritual of scrolling or streaming on the loo may do more harm than many realise. It can cause painful piles and weaken the muscles that help you stay in control.

“Most people bring their phones in expecting to sit there for a while, which normalises the habit of staying too long,” said Dr Kwee.

When toilet time turns into overtime

It may feel relaxing, but your body disagrees. Sitting too long increases pressure on the veins in your lower rectum, which can lead to haemorrhoids – painful, itchy lumps inside and around the anus that may bleed.

It can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder and bowel. “Prolonged sitting on the toilet bowl can lead to urinary or faecal incontinence,” said Dr Kwee. “It is a distressing problem and can be embarrassing in a social setting.”

Prolonged sitting also slows stool movement through the intestines, making constipation more likely. The result is more straining, more pain and a higher risk of fissures, or small tears around the anus.

Constipation tends to strike those aged 65 and above, but it is increasingly seen in people in their 40s and 50s too. Those who lead sedentary lives, are dehydrated or eat little fibre are most at risk.

Pins, needles and a numb reality

That dead-leg feeling after a long scroll? Not your imagination.

"Sitting for too long compresses nerves and restricts blood flow to your legs," said Dr Kwee. Over time, that can cause muscle weakness or neuropathy – nerve damage that leads to tingling, numbness or burning sensations.

Constant pressure can even cause the rectum to slip out of place.

“This results in symptoms such as a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, mucous discharge from the rectum, or pain and itching,” said Dr Kwee. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

How long is too long?

 “It should only take a minute or two to pass a stool but up to 10 to 15 minutes is still considered normal. Anything more would be too long,” said Dr Kwee. 

If you tend to linger, give your posture a boost. Rest your feet on a low stool so your knees are slightly higher than your hips. This helps straighten the rectum and makes things move more smoothly.

And if you crave quiet time, Dr Kwee has this advice: “Find your quiet time outside the bathroom instead. For example, during your commute or in a comfortable chair at home.” Because the toilet is for your business – not your binge-watching.

In consultation with Dr Kwee Yi Ning, Family Physician, NUP.