The Bleeding Disorder

Hemophilia, a complex genetic condition, disrupts the body's natural clotting mechanism, leading to prolonged bleeding episodes after injuries, even minor ones, and potential spontaneous bleeding into joints and muscles. It is characterized by a deficiency or absence of specific clotting factors in the blood, such as factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B).

This deficiency impairs the blood's ability to clot effectively, perpetuating the risk of bleeding episodes. While there is no cure for hemophilia, significant advancements in treatment have enabled individuals with this condition to lead active and fulfilling lives.

The primary cause of hemophilia is genetic inheritance, where individuals inherit the defective gene responsible for producing clotting factors from their parents. Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder, meaning it primarily affects males. Females typically carry the defective gene on one of their X chromosomes but may not exhibit symptoms themselves. In rare cases, hemophilia can also occur due to spontaneous mutations in the genes responsible for clotting factor production.