There are several risks associated with using your phone in the toilet, including:
- Contamination and cross-contamination: Bathrooms are full of bacteria, including fecal coliforms and E. coli. When you use your phone in the toilet, it can become contaminated with these bacteria. If you don’t wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, you can transfer these bacteria to your phone, and then to other surfaces and people.
- Prolonged sitting: Using your phone in the toilet can encourage you to sit for longer than necessary. This can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids can be painful and cause bleeding.
- Distraction and accidents: Using your phone in the toilet can distract you from the task at hand. This can lead to accidents, such as falling off the toilet or spilling something on yourself.
In addition to these health risks, using your phone in the toilet can also be a distraction from your bowel health. It can be helpful to pay attention to your body and stool when you use the toilet, so that you can notice any changes that may indicate a problem.
If you must use your phone in the toilet, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the toilet.
- Avoid touching your face while using your phone in the toilet.
- Clean your phone regularly with a disinfectant wipe.
- Be mindful of how long you are sitting on the toilet.
- Pay attention to your body and stool when you use the toilet.
It is best to avoid using your phone in the toilet altogether, if possible. If you can, leave your phone outside the bathroom while you are using the toilet. This will help to reduce the risk of contamination and distraction.
