Scrolling on TikTok could be a real pain in the tush for anyone who’s ever suffered from hemorrhoids. If you want to prevent them, one gastroenterologist insists you’ll need to give the clock app a rest when you’re going number two — no ifs, ands, or uncomfortable butts about it. And his “10-15” rule may be a huge help keeping your bum healthy come toilet time .
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can lead to pain, itching, and bleeding . Though they usually clear up on their own, they can become serious enough to require medical attention and even surgery. Frequently, they form due to too much straining during a bowel movement, but just kicking back on the can for too long — like when you’re texting or on social media — can hurt you too.
Enter “TikTok Tush.” “One common cause is due to sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time,” Dr. David L Schwarzbaum, a gastroenterologist, told HuffPost .
“This is because when one’s bottom is in the space of the toilet seat, the blood will pool in the lowest point and cause increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, leading to hemorrhoids.” So while scrolling TikTok atop the porcelain throne may make the whole experience — more pleasant? less boring? — it’s also a distraction from what you’re there to do and often leads to more time on the bowl. “I tell my patients that prolonged sitting on the toilet causes blood to pool in your anal veins which may cause hemorrhoi.
