Photo: Fox
When was the last time you went to the bathroom and didn’t have your phone with you? Think long and hard. Been a while, right? Some people actually have a panic attack if they find themselves on the toilet without their phone. Well, consider that a good thing because it seems that spending too much time on the toilet is a bad thing — a very bad thing.
Dr. Eleanor Atkins, a general surgeon, spoke to UNILAD and shared horrifying details:
“Sitting on the toilet puts lots of pressure on your pelvic floor, especially if you strain to produce a bowel movement. This can lead to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and eventually there is a risk of a rectal prolapse. Pressure damage is also a concern, especially if you’re immobile or elderly.”
So what the hell is a rectal prolapse? In short? Your rectum falls out of your body — and that’s exactly what happened to some poor dude in China recently. Dr. Atkins shared more details about it that will scare the hell out of you.
“A rectal prolapse is when part of your rectum sticks out through your anus. You’re likely to notice a lump or swelling coming out of your bottom. You might also find it difficult to control your bowel movements, have some bright red blood coming out of your rectum or have some discomfort.“
No word yet as to why some people get a rectal prolapse, but doctors believe it has to do with weak muscles in your pelvis, which is triggered by diarrhea, constipation, chronic cough or even pregnancy.
So yes, it’s probably best just to sit on your toilet, do your business and get out. No time to tweet. Unless you’re the president.
