Why you should not spend too much time on the toilet 🚽 Sitting for extended periods can increase pressure on the veins in your rectum, leading to hemorrhoids or worsening existing ones. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, often causing discomfort, itching, or bleeding. They occur when the veins around the anus or inside the rectum become inflamed due to pressure. Common causes include straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, chronic constipation, diarrhea, an