The Hidden Risks of Long Bathroom Breaks (Your Butt Will Thank You)

Restroom is not a internet cafe. Shit and split.

Remember when your granddad used to say, “Get in, do your business, and get out”? He wasn’t just being grumpy. He was actually giving solid health advice. For a lot of us, the bathroom has turned into a mini sanctuary. It’s where we scroll through social media, catch up on reading, or just get a few quiet minutes to ourselves. While that’s fine in small doses, parking yourself on the toilet for too long can lead to some real problems.

First off, let’s be honest. Your butt is going to start hurting if you sit on that hard toilet seat for more than 30 minutes. That’s not just discomfort. That pressure can affect circulation and irritate the tissues around your tailbone and pelvis. Over time, sitting like that can contribute to coccyx pain, pelvic floor issues, and even hemorrhoids.

When your legs dangle for extended periods, you’re also putting pressure on the nerves in your lower body. That can lead to sciatic discomfort, tingling, or numbness in your legs and feet. Add in poor posture and you’ve got a recipe for lower back pain too.

And then there’s your bowel health. Staying on the toilet too long doesn’t just increase the risk of hemorrhoids. It can also weaken the bowel muscles, making them less effective over time. Sitting for more than 20 minutes puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction. If you already have coccyx dysfunction, lingering on the toilet is especially not recommended.

If you find yourself spending a long time in the bathroom because you have trouble going, that’s a sign to get checked by your doctor. There are plenty of things that can help: increasing fiber, using a Squatty Potty for better alignment, gentle yoga exercises, or even gut motility supplements like those from Silver Fern.

The bottom line is simple. Do your business and get up. The toilet is not a recliner. If you want to relax, finish up and move to a more comfortable seat. Your back, bowels, and butt will thank you.

With care and Support,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT

Massage therapy is not a substitution for medical treatment. The massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. The therapist can only recommend products and services. Please consult a medical physician for further treatment.​

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