One of the biggest red flags of a serious but uncommon health condition is bleeding that won’t stop. According to experts, this can be the number-one warning sign of hemophilia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot properly.
Hemophilia might sound like something only doctors talk about, but it affects thousands of Americans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 33,000 people in the country live with the condition. Here, we’ll explain what hemophilia is, the main symptom doctors say you should look out for, and what else to know if you suspect you or someone you know might have it.
The main symptom: excessive bleeding
Hemophilia happens when the body lacks certain proteins that help blood form clots to stop bleeding. Without enough of these factors, even small injuries can cause bleeding that lasts much longer than normal. Asefeh Faraz, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., says the main sign is “more than would be expected with a typical cut or injury, and [is] unable to be stopped using typical first aid”.
There are different types of hemophilia, most commonly hemophilia A and hemophilia B. They’re both caused by genetic mutations that reduce or eliminate specific clotting factors, leading to similar symptoms with different levels of severity. People with mild forms may only bleed excessively after surgery or dental work, while those with severe hemophilia can experience spontaneous bleeding inside joints or muscles.
Hematologist Allyson Pishko, M.D., from the Penn Blood Disorders Center at Penn Medicine, explains that having hemophilia doesn’t mean someone will bleed uncontrollably from a minor scrape. The problem is that the blood takes longer to clot, which can make even small injuries more complicated. That delayed clotting can also cause internal bleeding, which is harder to notice but potentially more dangerous.
This excessive bleeding can be a sign that the body’s clotting system isn’t working properly. When untreated, repeated bleeding episodes can damage joints, muscles, and organs over time. That’s why experts stress the importance of getting medical advice if you notice that cuts or bruises take unusually long to heal.
What else to know about hemophilia
Most people with hemophilia are diagnosed early in life. Parents or doctors often notice prolonged bleeding after a vaccination, dental procedure, or injury, but some mild cases can go unnoticed for years. The CDC notes that adults with mild hemophilia A or B may not be diagnosed until they experience excessive bleeding later in life.
Hemophilia is usually inherited, passed down through mutations in the X chromosome. Because of this, it primarily affects men, while women can be carriers. However, it’s also possible—though extremely rare—to develop a form of hemophilia later in life. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this can happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own clotting factors, a condition known as acquired hemophilia.
Doctors can confirm the diagnosis through blood tests that measure clotting activity and factor levels. Treatment often involves replacing the missing clotting factors through infusions or injections. Today, there are also newer therapies that help stabilize the clotting process and reduce bleeding episodes.
If you suspect that your bleeding seems excessive or unusual, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional rather than ignore it. When it comes to a condition like hemophilia, early diagnosis and proper care can make a huge difference in preventing complications and protecting your health.