People with mild hemophilia may bruise easily, have additional heavy bleeding after medical procedures, or have longer menstrual periods. Because its symptoms are less severe, mild hemophilia may be overlooked.

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A person with hemophilia has an inherited, or genetic, condition that means they are missing important blood clotting factor proteins that make them prone to heavy bleeding. However, not every person with hemophilia is affected to the same extent.

While some people with hemophilia may spontaneously bleed, those with mild hemophilia may only experience bleeding concerns after medical procedures or more serious injuries.

Treatment is still necessary in all cases of prolonged bleeding to prevent serious complications.

According to 2023 research, a person with mild hemophilia has more blood clotting factor proteins, between 6 and 40%, of the typical amount.

This differs from moderate hemophilia, where people have only 1–5% of the normal amount. With severe hemophilia, people have under 1% of the typical amount.

People with mild hemophilia are less likely to experience some of the more severe symptoms of hemophilia, like spontaneous bleeding.

However, a diagnosis of mild hemophilia is based on the amount of blood clotting factor protein in the blood and not the amount or degree of a person’s symptoms.

There are four main types of hemophilia:

The type of hemophilia depends on a substance called blood clotting factor. A doctor orders blood clotting tests to diagnose the type. These tests detect which of your blood clotting factors has been affected.

People with mild hemophilia can have low levels of either factor VIII or factor IX. Low factor VIII levels are designated mild hemophilia A. Low factor IX levels are designated mild hemophilia B.

Symptoms of mild hemophilia can include:

  • bruising easily
  • more extensive swelling and bruising than expected after an injury
  • prolonged bleeding after medical procedures

Females with mild hemophilia may experience:

  • heavy, extended menstrual periods
  • prolonged, heavy bleeding after childbirth

Frequent or spontaneous bleeding is not common in people with mild hemophilia.

Unlike some forms of hemophilia, mild hemophilia is often diagnosed later in life. People may receive a diagnosis of mild hemophilia because of a family history of hemophilia or a bleeding incident.

When hemophilia is suspected, a doctor can perform a blood test to determine the body’s clotting ability. A doctor may order additional blood clotting factor tests to determine the hemophilia’s exact cause and severity.

There is no cure for hemophilia. Treatment for mild hemophilia typically involves replacing the missing blood clotting factor when a person continues bleeding or a bleeding episode is anticipated due to a medical procedure.

People with hemophilia need to know whether they have type A or type B hemophilia so they can receive the appropriate clotting factor treatment. The treatment is given through infusions into the veins.

Small cuts and bruises may not be an issue for a person with mild hemophilia. But serious blood loss can occur with deep cuts, surgery, or teeth removal.

There’s also a chance that an injury may result in internal bleeding into muscles, organs, or joints. This can lead to chronic joint disease and pain.

When internal bleeding occurs in the brain, it can cause seizures, paralysis, or even death.

Language matters

You’ll notice we use the binary terms “male” and “female” in this article. While we realize these terms may not match your gender experience, they are the terms used when discussing genetics involving X and Y chromosomes and hemophilia research. We try to be as specific as possible when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.

Unfortunately, the information referenced in this article didn’t report data on, or may not have, participants who are transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.

Hemophilia is an inherited condition, so having family members who have hemophilia is a risk factor. Only one-third of babies with hemophilia have a new mutation not already present in their family.

Since a recessive mutation on the X chromosome causes hemophilia, it is passed down on an affected X chromosome.

Males have only one X chromosome, so they are more likely to have hemophilia. If that X chromosome has the mutation, the person will have hemophilia.

Since females have two X chromosomes, they are less likely to have hemophilia.

For a female to have hemophilia, two X chromosomes would need the mutation. Most females who inherit the genetic mutation for hemophilia likely only have one X chromosome that is affected, and they will be carriers. This means they can pass the genetic mutation on to their children but will not have hemophilia themselves.

People with mild hemophilia typically have a nearly normal life expectancy. They can usually live life without limitations.

Can you develop mild hemophilia later in life?

It is rare for people to develop hemophilia later in life.

Although people with mild hemophilia may not receive a diagnosis until later in their lives, hemophilia is usually the result of altered genes present at birth and not developed over time.

Are certain types of hemophilia more common than others?

A lack of factor VIII causes hemophilia A. It’s about four times more common than hemophilia B, which occurs from a lack of factor IX.

Where can I get support if I have hemophilia?

Hemophilia treatment centers are located across the United States. These offer access to various healthcare professionals with experience treating people with hemophilia.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that people with hemophilia who use these treatment centers are 40% less likely to die of a cause related to their hemophilia. They’re also 40% less likely to be hospitalized for a complication related to bleeding.

You can search for a hemophilia treatment center near you here.

People with mild hemophilia lack necessary clotting factor proteins in their blood due to a genetic mutation.

Because mild hemophilia may only become evident after medical procedures or serious injuries, people may not receive a diagnosis until later in life or after a bleeding incident.

Symptoms of mild hemophilia may include bruising easily, heavy bleeding after medical treatment, or prolonged menstrual periods.

It’s important to watch for symptoms of mild hemophilia and contact a doctor if you notice any. Serious complications can occur if continued bleeding is left untreated.