Be honest, do you use your phone on the toilet? If you do, you’re not alone. In fact, according to data from Direct Line Group , 21 million adults in the UK do. As habits go, it is one that we should feel guilty about. Studies show that our phones can be contaminated with bacteria that can be incredibly harmful to humans, including: E-Coli (which comes from human poo!) Skin infection Staphyloccocus Actinobacteria - which can cause tuberculosis Citrobacter - which can lead to urinary tract infections Enterococcus - which can cause meningitis And, in the spirit of being honest, when did you last clean your phone? Now health experts warn that toilet scrollers face another health concern A study published back in September found that spending too much time on the toilet puts people at a higher risk of haemorrhoids. For this study, scientists in the US conducted a survey of 125 adults whose gut health was being investigated with a colonoscopy (a procedure where doctors insert a camera into the intestines). Participants then answered questions about their lifestyle and toilet habits , and the toilets who completed their colonoscopies assessed them for haemorrhoids. Turns out, 66% of the participants said they used their smartphones while using the toilet, with most admitting to scrolling on social media or reading the news. Notably, young people were more likely to be toilet scrollers. The researchers used statistical analysis to adjust for other factors linked to haemorrhoid risk, such as physical activity, age and diet. They then found that individuals who brought their phones to the toilet had a 46 per cent higher risk of haemorrhoids than those who didn’t. Eek. How does sitting on the toilet cause haemorrhoids? The researchers say: “Prolonged sitting in general has not definitively been shown to be linked to hemorrhoid development. “However, we propose that sitting on a standard toilet seat, without any support to the pelvic floor, disproportionately increases pressure in the hemorrhoidal cushions. As this pressure persists over time, these cushions may become engorged and thereby develop into haemorrhoids.” How to prevent haemorrhoids Speaking to Buzzfeed , Dr. David L Schwarzbaum, a gastroenterologist said: “I would generally recommend trying to limit bowel movements to 10-15 minutes at most to reduce the risk haemorrhoids.” Dr Prasun Shah, who is also a gastroenterologist added that pushing too hard can be a cause too: “Trying to ‘push out’ a bowel movement also increases pressure in the anorectal blood vessels and is another common cause of hemorrhoids. “I often counsel my patients that when they feel the urge to defecate to go to the toilet, avoid straining, and if they cannot relieve themselves at that time, then to get up and try again at a later time when they have an urge again.” And leave the phone in the living room, we reckon. Related... Oh Good – We're All Flushing Our Toilets Wrong Stop Asking Kids If They Need To Use The Toilet, Expert Says It Doesn't Work The Horrifying Reason You Need To Close The Lid Of The Toilet Before You Flush