This 1 Toilet Habit Makes You More Prone to Hemorrhoids — and You’re Probably Doing It

If you’ve never had a hemorrhoid, you’re very lucky. If you have, you’re all too familiar with the extreme discomfort that comes with this particular digestive condition. Characterized by pain, itching, irritation, and sometimes bleeding in the anal region (TMI, we know), hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. And no one wants to deal with them.

While hemorrhoids are treatable and you should always seek medical attention if you’re dealing with them, there’s one common bathroom habit that can make you more susceptible to hemorrhoids. We asked gastroenterologists about it — here’s what they had to say.

The Toilet Habit That Makes You More Prone to Hemorrhoids

If you like to curl up with a good book or scroll through TikTok after you use the bathroom, we have news for you: This sacred time could be making you more susceptible to hemorrhoids.

“Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. Although everyone has these blood vessels, they only become symptomatic when they become enlarged or inflamed, which can happen due to a variety of factors,” Dr. David L. Schwarzbaum, a gastroenterologist, told HuffPost. “A common cause is sitting on the toilet for long periods of time. This is because when a person’s buttocks sit in the space provided by the toilet seat, blood pools at the lowest point and causes increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, leading to hemorrhoids.”

Dr. Prasun Shah, a gastroenterologist at Memorial Hermann, added that when you sit for too long, gravity works against you, leading to poor circulation.

“When you sit for long periods of time, blood flow to and from the rectal area can be restricted, causing blood to pool in the veins and make them swell,” the doctor said.

While sitting for long periods of time can cause hemorrhoids, so can straining too much during a bowel movement, so it’s not an ideal way to reduce the time you spend on the toilet.

“Trying to ‘push’ out stool also increases pressure in the anorectal blood vessels and is another common cause of hemorrhoids,” Schwarzbaum said. “I often advise my patients that when they feel the urge to defecate, they should go to the bathroom, not strain, and if they can’t relieve themselves at that moment, then they should get up and try again later when they feel the urge again.”

How long would you most like to sit on the toilet?

“I would generally recommend limiting bowel movements to 10-15 minutes maximum to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids,” Schwarzbaum said. “I also recommend not scrolling on phones or reading for long periods of time on the toilet. If you need a break from the rest of the world, sit on the toilet seat.”

Other tips to prevent hemorrhoids

If you’re thinking, “Wait a minute, I never sit on the toilet for long and I still get hemorrhoids,” don’t worry: Sitting for long periods of time isn’t the only cause of hemorrhoids.

“The best ways to prevent hemorrhoids are to drink plenty of fluids, eat a high-fiber diet, exercise, and avoid straining during bowel movements. This is also true during pregnancy, a leading cause of hemorrhoids,” says Dr. George Pavlou, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey.

Schwarzbaum agreed, noting that preventing constipation is also essential for preventing hemorrhoids.

“This starts with a healthy diet, and most importantly, 25-30 grams of fiber per day and adequate hydration,” he said. “If this is not enough, it may be necessary to use stool softeners or laxatives. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet and regular exercise have also been shown to prevent hemorrhoids.”

Shah also advised not to delay bowel movements, if possible.

“Holding in can make stool drier and harder to pass,” he said. “You should also try to keep the anal area clean to prevent irritation. If necessary, use wet wipes or water instead of dry toilet paper. Use a footstool to elevate your feet slightly when sitting on the toilet. This can help you achieve a more natural squatting position, making it easier to pass stool without straining.”

Hemorrhoids aren’t fun, and in some cases they’re just unavoidable (just ask anyone who’s ever been pregnant). But with the right lifestyle changes and a little less time on the toilet and scrolling through Instagram stories, you might be able to make them less common.

If you suffer from hemorrhoids or chronic hemorrhoids, discuss this with your doctor. He/she can help you determine the cause and create a treatment and prevention plan that is right for you. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.