WATCH: This is why you should never use your phone on the toilet, doctor reveals
If you're guilty of taking your phone to the toilet when you need a little alone time to scroll through your apps, you're not the only one.
Though it's a nice way to take a break, you might want to rethink your bathroom entertainment habits.
A gastroenterologist has shared a video to TikTok warning viewers of the "serious consequences" that can come from using your phone on the loo.
Watch the video above
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Don't use your phone while going number two, doctor says. TikTok
Dr Sethi, a Harvard and Stanford-trained doctor, says that though it may "seem harmless to scroll through your social media feed or answer some emails" while going to the bathroom, that's not the case.
"First, using your phone while doing a number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus," explained Dr Sethi.
"This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and even rectal prolapse."
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can cause itchiness and discomfort while sitting. Anal fissures are small tears in the anus, which lead to pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the large intestine drops into the anus – though it's a rare condition, it can happen.
READ MORE: How often should you poop? The answer might not be what you think
Do you take you phone to the bathroom? Getty
But internal health issues aren't the only downside of using your phone on the loo, Dr Sethi says – the bathroom is a "breeding ground for bacteria".
"Studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat," which is only going to get worse the more time your phone spends in the bathroom.
Nearly half of Australians admit to scrolling through their phone while doing their business.
If you truly can't part with your phone while on the toilet, "at least have a disinfectant wipe around to clean the phone after you're done with the business," Dr Sethi says.
Think about how often you use your phone while eating and drinking, and you might be a bit more inclined to give it a wipe-down after using it on the toilet.
READ MORE: Why you should never hold in a poo
Consider wiping down your phone after taking it to the toilet. Getty Images/iStockphoto
While scrolling through your phone on the toilet might be socially acceptable, there is one thing that Aussies can't stand, and that's answering your phone while in the bathroom.
A nine.com.au reader survey found a whopping 64 per cent of respondents said it is not okay to take a phone call while in a public or office bathroom.
