So here in The Conversation are the seven main health issues you may want to avoid by shortening your stay in the smallest room in the house:

1. Haemorrhoids 

“Haemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels located in or around the anal area. They occur due to increased pressure on the anal cushions, which are part of the spongy tissue surrounding the anus. These cushions allow the anus to expand as waste is excreted. 

“Sitting too long on the toilet places extra pressure on these cushions, leading to haemorrhoids, as does straining to force faeces out. 

“It’s estimated that 50-85% of the global population experiences haemorrhoids. Symptoms can include painless bleeding, irritation, itching, and discomfort, although some individuals may have haemorrhoids without any noticeable symptoms. 

“Haemorrhoids might also lead to complications like anaemia from extended bleeding, or strangulation and clotting within the haemorrhoid, both causing intense pain.” 

2. Anal fissures or tears 

“Prolonged toilet sessions can result in anal fissures or tears, which are small cuts in the anal lining. These fissures often coincide with severe pain, described as akin to passing broken glass during bowel movements, accompanied by bright red blood. 

“The anal lining is thin and sitting on the toilet for too long causes pooling of the blood, which stretches the lining, making it more prone to damage as faeces passes out.” 

3. Prolapse 

“Faeces may not be the only thing that passes out the body after sitting on the toilet. Extended loo time can increase your risk of having your rectum fall out of your body – a condition known as a rectal prolapse. 

“This uncommon condition occurred in one man who would often spend up to 30 minutes on the toilet playing smartphone games. One day, he found nearly 14cm of his rectum protruding out of his body while attempting a bowel movement. 

“Prolonged sitting on the toilet increases pressure in the abdomen, which subsequently increases pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help hold our internal organs, including our rectum, inside. But prolonged pressure can weaken these muscles. 

“In women, this could also result in other pelvic organs – such as a uterus – prolapsing out of the body. 

“Rectal prolapse is often painful, and you’ll need to visit the hospital if you have one so it can be re-inserted. If it happens repeatedly or if the case is particularly extreme, it will require surgery.” 

4. Pressure sores and ulcers 

“Prolonged sitting on the loo, particularly in the elderly, may increase the risk of pressure sores occurring on the skin that comes in contact with the toilet seat. 

“Prolonged sitting compresses the tissues, reducing blood flow to them. This then results in toxic substances building up in the blood which damage the tissues and cause them to breakdown. Pressure sores are painful.” 

5. Hiatal hernia 

“Prolonged sitting on the toilet and straining to defecate may contribute to hiatal hernia, particularly in susceptible people (including those who are obese or over the age of 50). 

“This is where part of the stomach and other abdominal organs slide through the opening in your diaphragm (a dome-shaped muscle that helps us breathe), ending up in the chest cavity. 

“Hiatal hernias are common, affecting 20% of people. They typically result in indigestion, stomach pains and discomfort around the ribs and chest. They can be treated with medication to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach or in more severe cases require surgery.”

6. Toilet seat neuropathy

“Sitting too long on the toilet compresses the major nerves and blood vessels, reducing blood supply to the legs. This can cause your legs to go numb as a result – a phenomenon known as toilet seat or toilet bowl neuropathy. It usually goes away after a few minutes.

“But there have been some case studies where patients who passed out on the toilet after a night of drinking – subsequently spending the night there – found themselves entirely numb and unable to move. In one extreme case, a man developed gangrene, sepsis and sadly died after falling asleep on the toilet.”

7. Fainting

“Prolonged toilet time combined with straining may also result in fainting.

“This condition, called vasovagal syncope, occurs when prolonged straining on the toilet irritates the vagus nerves. These nerves control many of the body’s automatic functions – including heart rate and blood pressure.

“In the case of defecation syncope, blood pressure can drop suddenly when we stand up from the toilet. Heart rate also drops causing dizziness, light-headedness and fainting.” 

The healthy way to poo:

“To reduce your risk of suffering any of these conditions, spend as short a time seated on the loo as possible.

“You could also potentially modify your position when using the loo. Some evidence suggests squatting is better for defecation, as it reduces the stress and straining needed to poo. However, other studies have shown this position could potentially increase risk of other health problems – such as risk of stroke and damage to the achilles tendon. 

“Other advice includes eating more fibre and drinking water if you’re someone who regularly takes longer than five minutes to do your business as both can help you have healthier poos. They will also prevent straining while having your bowel movement.”