When it comes to making a big commission, everyone has their own little habits. However, social networks, such as TikTok, X or Instagram, statistically tend to prolong this moment. Sometimes too much. “A common cause of hemorrhoids is prolonged sitting on the toilet,” says a British surgeon, quoted by “Blick”.
Last April, we announced to you that, for gastroenterologist Roger Wanner: “defecation itself only takes twelve seconds. The one who stays in the bathroom longer probably spends most of their time on social media.” And, according to his colleague Martin Wilhelmi, the visit to the toilet should be limited to a maximum of three minutes. On the other hand, in “Blick”, gastroenterologist David Schwarzbaum now recommends a maximum stay of 10 to 15 minutes in the toilet. “Anything longer than this can be detrimental to health,” he says.
Whatever the duration, the aim is to prevent blood from accumulating in the blood vessels, at the risk of increasing pressure. When hemorrhoids swell and become inflamed, they can cause pain, itching and bleeding. Sometimes medical treatment or surgery is necessary. Age, being overweight, pregnancy, chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea are factors that increase the risk of developing a pathology.
In addition to limiting the duration of the maneuver, experts recommend the use of a toilet stool. With the feet thus raised, the person seated on the throne automatically adopts a more squatting position, closer to the “natural” way of having a bowel movement.
