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Gao Zongyue, a colorectal specialist at Henan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said the patient arrived at the hospital complaining of severe abdominal pain and blood in his stool, Hk01 reported Monday.

Upon examination, doctors confirmed he had a “Grade 3 rectal prolapse,” the most severe level, with a segment of intestine protruding 13 cm from his body. Without prompt surgery, the patient could experience repeated prolapses whenever he coughed or exerted himself.

Doctor Gao asked about the man’s medical history and learned that he regularly spent extended periods watching short videos on his mobile phone while squatting on the toilet, sometimes exceeding two hours, according to United Daily News.

Zhang Shengwei, director of the General Surgery Department (Proctology) at Zhengzhou People’s Hospital, warned that prolonged toilet use can cause various health problems.

Firstly, maintaining a sitting position for extended periods can cause anal congestion. Studies have shown that squat times exceeding three minutes may lead to rectal venous congestion, potentially causing hemorrhoids.

Additionally, Zhang explained to United Daily News that anal congestion can mislead the nervous system, sending false signals to the brain regarding the need to defecate, resulting in a persistent sensation of fullness.

Being distracted by mobile phones during toilet use can further complicate bowel movements by diverting attention, potentially causing delayed or missed urges, and leading to constipation.

Whether using squat or sit-down toilets, prolonged toilet time can also cause blood to pool downward, reducing blood supply to the brain. Patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions, even those whose symptoms are well-controlled, may experience heightened blood pressure and reduced cerebral blood flow, potentially triggering acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or sudden death.

People should spend approximately five to 10 minutes on the toilet, CNN quoted Dr. Farah Monzur, an assistant professor of medicine and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine on Long Island, New York, as saying in a report last year.

Monzur warned that people should not approach it expecting a long stay, because that mindset will lead them to bring something just to keep their mind occupied.

“Make sitting on the toilet bowl as uninteresting as possible.”

If experiencing difficulty during bowel movements, Lai Xue, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, suggested stopping after 10 minutes and taking a brief walk instead.

The movement can help stimulate digestive muscles, he told CNN.

Xue also recommended staying hydrated and consuming fiber-rich foods like oats and beans to encourage regular bowel movements and prevent excessive straining.