Understanding Hemophilia: What You Need to Know About This Rare Bleeding Disorder

Hemophilia is a rare but serious genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot properly. For people with hemophilia, even a minor injury can lead to prolonged bleeding, internal damage, or dangerous complications. While the condition is uncommon, affecting about 1 in every 5,000 male births in the U.S., understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and ongoing advancements in care is critical — especially for families living with this condition.

What Causes Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is caused by a deficiency or absence of specific clotting factors in the blood, usually factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B). These proteins help blood cells stick together and form clots to stop bleeding. Without them, the body struggles to control bleeding, both externally and internally.

In most cases, hemophilia is inherited, passed down through families on the X chromosome. Since men have only one X chromosome, they are more likely to develop the disorder. Women can be carriers and may experience mild symptoms, but it is rare for them to have severe hemophilia.