An NHS GP and surgeon has urged people to avoid a common habit. He also stressed a key '10 minute' rule everyone should follow.

Taking to TikTok, the health expert shared on social media the danger of sitting on the toilet for too long, as well as the risks of straining. Dr Karan Rajan, the author of the No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller 'This Book May Save Your Life' explained that if you do this, you should stop.

He stressed that whilst it may seem harmless, it's putting a lot of pressure on your body. Because of this, it could cause several health issues. In his video, he explained that there is "more pressure on the rectum and bottom" - and it's not just phones that are the issue.

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The same applies when you're using a tablet or even a newspaper. He continued: "Because the toilet seat is cut, your rectum is dangling lower than the rest of your backside."

When this happens, "gravity takes over and blood begins to pool, collect and clot in these rectal veins. Add in some straining and pushing, and this leads to even more pressure, causing the veins to bulge resulting in haemorrhoids, also known as piles or bum grapes.

"Basically, bulging blood vessels around your bum. Haemorrhoids lead to pain, itching and bleeding". In fact, according to the NHS, other signs of this include:

• bright red blood after you poo
• an itchy anus
• feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet
• mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom
• lumps around your anus
• pain around your anus

Noting his "take-home points", the doctor concluded that you should only ever go to the toilet when you need to. You should also avoid straining and never spend longer than 10 minutes on the toilet.

You may need to see a GP if:

• you have symptoms of piles and they're getting worse or there's no improvement after 7 days of treatment at home
• you keep getting piles
• you notice a change around your anus that is not normal for you

You should call NHS 111 or get an urgent GP appointment if:

• your temperature is very high, or you feel hot, cold or shivery and generally unwell
• pus is leaking from your piles

In some instances, you may need to call 999 if:

• you're bleeding non-stop
• there's a lot of blood – for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots
• you're in severe pain