Never use your phone in a toilet. Here’s why

In our tech-driven world, it’s become second nature to carry our smartphones with us everywhere we go, even to the most unexpected places, like the toilet. But before you reach for your phone during your next bathroom break, it’s essential to understand the potential health risks associated with this habit. Here’s why you should never use your phone in the toilet.

1. The Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Risk

Did you know that your phone could become a breeding ground for germs in the toilet? Bathrooms are notorious for harboring all sorts of bacteria, from toilet seats to doorknobs. When you take your phone into this germ-infested environment, there’s a chance it could get covered in these harmful microorganisms. Consequently, you might unknowingly expose yourself to urinary tract infections (UTIs), diarrhea, and other intestinal illnesses.

2. Spreading Germs Beyond the Bathroom

The dangers of using your phone in the toilet don’t end with the risk to your own health. When you leave the restroom, your phone carries those germs with it. If you share your phone or touch surfaces with it, you can inadvertently pass these germs on to others, whether it’s at home or at work. So, not only are you jeopardizing your health, but you’re also potentially putting those around you at risk.

3. Constipation Concerns

Prolonged toilet time, often accompanied by phone usage, can lead to constipation. Your body becomes accustomed to spending an unnatural amount of time in the bathroom, disrupting its natural rhythm. This can have adverse effects on your digestive system, making it difficult to maintain regular bowel movements.

4. Disrupting the Pooping Process

Using your phone in the toilet can interfere with your body’s response to stools. Normally, you shouldn’t spend more than 10 minutes in the bathroom for a bowel movement. However, with a smartphone in hand, this time can easily extend to 20-30 minutes, which can hinder the pooping process and lead to discomfort.

5. Increased Stress Levels

The time spent in the bathroom can be one of the few moments of respite from our busy lives. It’s a time to disconnect and relax. However, when you bring your phone into the equation, you deny your brain that break. Constantly consuming information, even in the restroom, can add to your stress levels and prevent you from truly unwinding.

6. Hemorrhoids: An Unpleasant Consequence

Extended toilet sessions, especially with a phone in hand, can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins near the anal area that can bleed, itch, and cause pain. These discomforting and inconvenient conditions can be a result of spending too much time on the toilet.

7. Wasting Precious Time

Ironically, the habit of using your phone in the toilet, intended to save time, often leads to the opposite. What could be accomplished in a few minutes takes significantly longer when your phone is involved. Whether you’re answering messages or scrolling through social media, time seems to slip away faster than you realize.

8. The Risk of Losing Your Phone and Data

Finally, there’s the very real risk of accidentally dropping your phone into the toilet bowl. If this unfortunate event occurs, you not only lose your device but also all the essential calls, texts, emails, and important information it contains. It’s a costly mistake that could have been easily avoided.