Do I spend too long on the toilet?

How long do people actually spend on the toilet?

The average bathroom visit lasts 5-10 minutes, but men consistently spend longer than women — largely due to phone usage. A study found that 75% of people use their phone on the toilet, adding an average of 3-4 minutes to each visit.

Average toilet time by gender

• Men: 8.5 minutes average (median ~7 min)
• Women: 6 minutes average (median ~5 min)
• With phone: add 3-4 minutes on average
• Annual total: about 40-50 hours/year on the toilet

The health perspective

• Gastroenterologists recommend 5 minutes max
• Sitting too long increases hemorrhoid risk
• The "squatty potty" position can reduce time needed by 30%
• If you regularly need 15+ minutes, consult a doctor (may indicate digestive issues)

Sources: Bathroom habits surveys (YouGov, QS Supplies), gastroenterology guidelines, BMJ studies.