FAQs

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by little or no clotting factor in the blood. Clotting factors are proteins that are vital to stop bleeding when it occurs. Deficiency of clotting factors results in prolonged bleeding.

There are several types of clotting factor. Based on the clotting factor affected, there are three main types of hemophilia:

Hemophilia A is caused by missing or defective clotting factor VIII
Hemophilia B is caused by the deficiency of clotting factor IX
Hemophilia C is caused by the defective or missing clotting factor XI

Acquired hemophilia is a rare type of autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own clotting factors. It usually develops later in life and often resolves with proper treatment.

Humans have 22 pairs of chromosomes called the autosomes that are identical in men and women. One pair of chromosomes, called the sex chromosome, determines a person’s gender.

The inheritance pattern of hemophilia depends on which chromosome the affected gene is located on.

The genes affected in hemophilia A and B are located on the X-chromosome. Therefore, they are inherited in an X-linked pattern. Men are at a higher risk of developing hemophilia A and B because they only have one X chromosome.

Hemophilia C is caused by a mutation in a gene located on chromosome 4, an autosome. Therefore, both men and women have the same risk of inheriting the mutation and being affected by hemophilia C.

The life expectancy of people with hemophilia depends on the severity of the condition and whether or not the patient receives adequate treatment. With proper care, the life expectancy of people with hemophilia is about 10 years less than those without the disease.

The most common symptoms of hemophilia are excessive bleeding and easy bruising due to internal bleeding. Bleeding can affect different parts of the body and can be seen as:

Frequent nose bleeds
Heavy bleeding after an injury
Large bruises
Blood in the urine and stool due to kidney, bladder, or intestinal bleeding
Bleeding in the joints, causing joint tightness with or without pain
Bleeding in the brain, known as brain hemorrhage or brain stroke, which can cause headache, vomiting, stiff neck, blurred vision, and loss of muscle coordination.
The type and severity of the symptoms vary from person to person.

The primary treatment for hemophilia is replacement therapy, in which the missing clotting factor is administered to the body through injection. Other approved treatments include hormone therapy — such as desmopressin — that stimulate the production of clotting factors and bypassing agents in cases in which the body develops antibodies against clotting factors. Several experimental treatments also are under evaluation.

There currently is no cure for hemophilia. However, the condition can be managed effectively with proper treatment.

The level of clotting factor in the blood determines the severity of hemophilia. The lower the levels, the more severe the condition.

In mild hemophilia, clotting factor levels are between 5% and 40% (0.05-0.40 IU/ml).
In moderate hemophilia, clotting factor levels are between 1% and 5% (0.01-0.05 IU/ml).
In severe hemophilia, clotting factor levels are less than 1% (0.01 IU/ml).
The rate of bleeding differs based on the severity of the condition. People with severe hemophilia bleed frequently and for no specific reason. Those with moderate hemophilia bleed less frequently and spontaneously and usually only as a result of injury. In cases of mild hemophilia, excessive bleeding usually occurs only as a result of surgery or a major injury.

No. Hemophilia is an inherited condition and cannot be spread through physical contact.

People with hemophilia should not take aspirin or any other blood thinner. Aspirin prevents blood cells called platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. It can make bleeding worse in hemophilia patients.

Sports and exercise can help strengthen the muscles and prevent bleeding. Therefore, individuals with hemophilia are encouraged to incorporate frequent exercise in their routine. Sports with a high risk of injuries, such as boxing, football, or rugby are not recommended, however. People with hemophilia should consider the severity of their disease when planning their exercise routine and choosing a sport.

Comprehensive information about hemophilia and its different treatment options, as well as news about research and ongoing clinical trials, can be found on this website.

Information about support groups can be found at Hemaware and The Hemophilia Society.

Additional information can be found on the website of the following organizations:

National Hemophilia Foundation
Hemophilia Federation of America
World Federation of Hemophilia

Women can be carriers of the hemophilia gene. Some women may know they are carriers while others may not. Women can experience bleeding symptoms as carriers of hemophilia, even though they may think they do not have a bleeding disorder. If you think you might be a carrier of the hemophilia gene, talk with your doctor about being tested. If you are a carrier of the hemophilia gene, feel free to contact us to gain support and education from our community.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. It occurs when the blood lacks enough von Willebrand factor (VWF) or the protein doesn't function properly, leading to slower blood clotting and prolonged bleeding. There are three types of VWD (1, 2, and 3) with varying severity—mild, moderate, or severe. Many cases go undiagnosed due to mild symptoms or limited awareness among healthcare providers and the public. While VWD affects both genders equally, women often experience more noticeable bleeding symptoms.

Platelet function disorders occur when platelets don't work properly, causing an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. These conditions are rare and less understood, with many identified only in recent decades.