Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : May 9, 2025 2:50 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr M Mahapatra, professor and head of department of hematology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
The Truth Behind Some Of The Most Common Myths About Haemophilia (Photo: Freepik)
Being diagnosed with a rare disease like haemophilia can be concerning and heartbreaking. Due to little awareness and a lot of misinformation, many patients may not even receive the proper care and treatment that they require. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding haemophilia -- a bleeding disorder -- that need to be addressed and debunked at the earliest. A genetic disorder, haemophilia can affect the body's ability to clot blood, due to a faulty gene. A patient with this health condition can have a deficiency of specific proteins, known as 'clotting factors' that usually combine with platelets to control any kind of bleeding, explains Dr M Mahapatra, professor and head of department of hematology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Patients with haemophilia usually experience symptoms like easy bruising, joint pain and swelling, and spontaneous bleeding.
Read on to know about some common myths surrounding this disease, and what the truth really is, as explained by Dr Mahapatra.
Truth: According to the doctor, while haemophilia does cause excessive bleeding, some first aid measures like ice compression, bandaging, and keeping the affected area elevated can help in reducing bleeding after minor scrapes. "In case the bleeding continues, administer prophylaxis or the missing clotting factors. The main concern, however, is internal bleeding. Severe haemophilia can cause bleeding in the joints, resulting in pain and loss of function. In some cases, there may be life-threatening bleeding in the brain," the doctor warns.
Truth: As strange as it sounds, there are some people who believe that haemophilia only affects men. The doctor explains that haemophilia occurs due to a change in the X chromosome, which is why men are predominantly affected, as they have only one copy of this chromosome. But, women become haemophilia carriers as they have two X chromosomes. In some cases, however, they may have mild symptoms as a carrier. Studies show one in five haemophilia carriers can have mild bleeding symptoms -- the most common being menstrual bleeding, the expert states.
Truth: This myth stems from the fear that playing sports could result in injuries. It is true that patients with haemophilia are discouraged from playing 'high-contact' and 'collision' sports like football or hockey, because of a heightened risk of injury. "Patients, however, must participate in regular physical activity as it can maintain the health of their muscles and joints, and improve coordination. They are recommended to engage in low-impact sports like walking, swimming, badminton, jogging, rowing, sailing, table tennis, cycling, etc."
Truth: The truth is that haemophilia is an inherited condition, which means that most patients are born with it. It does not spread through a contactor, and other such means of transmission.
Truth: This is not true, the doctor says. The severity is determined based on clotting factor levels. In mild clotting factors, bleeding episodes occur only after major trauma or surgery; patients do not experience spontaneous bleeding. In moderate clotting factors, bleeding episodes can occur after injuries, surgeries, or even dental procedures. In severe clotting factor activity, there is spontaneous bleeding affecting joints, muscles, and some internal organs. It can also cause bleeding in the skull, the doctor warns.
