Medical expert links Western-style toilets to increased hemorrhoid risk

Associate Professor Ömer Faruk Bük, a general surgery specialist at Medicana International Samsun Hospital, has noted that traditional squat toilets may be healthier for bowel movements than modern Western-style toilets. He suggests that the use of Western-style toilets can increase the prevalence of hemorrhoidal diseases.

Hemorrhoids involve the enlargement, loosening, and sagging of the vein system in the anus. They are categorized into internal and external types, with external hemorrhoids generally being more painful. Treatment methods vary based on the individual and the stage of the disease, ranging from medication and laser treatments to classical surgery.

Bük also warned against spending excessive time on the toilet or straining during bowel movements, particularly when dealing with constipation, as these behaviors significantly increase the risk of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.