Hemophilia A or B: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hemophilia A or B?
Hemophilia is treated by a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood disorders. Many people get care at a hemophilia treatment center, where a team manages the whole condition. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder, meaning the blood does not clot the way it should. People with hemophilia A are missing or low in a clotting protein called factor VIII; people with hemophilia B are missing or low in a different protein called factor IX.
Symptoms
The main sign of hemophilia is bleeding that lasts longer than normal. Bleeding can happen inside joints such as the knees, elbows, and ankles, causing swelling, pain, and warmth that can damage the joint over time. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Causes and who gets it
Hemophilia is almost always caused by a change in a gene. The genes for factor VIII and factor IX sit on the X chromosome, one of the sex chromosomes. Because of this, hemophilia mostly affects males, while females often carry the changed gene without having the disease.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use bleeding history, a physical exam, and blood tests that measure clotting time and clotting factor levels. These tests show which type of hemophilia a person has and how severe it is.
Treatment
The main treatment is replacing the missing clotting factor through a vein, called factor replacement therapy. Some people receive factor on a regular schedule to prevent bleeding, called prophylaxis; others receive it only when bleeding happens. Newer medicines that do not replace factor can also lower bleeding risk.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with bleeding that will not stop should see a doctor. A sudden severe headache, repeated vomiting, extreme sleepiness, or weakness on one side of the body can signal bleeding inside the skull and is an emergency.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee. A concierge doctor charges a similar fee but often works alongside insurance. Either type can help coordinate care for a person with hemophilia, but they cannot replace factor therapy or manage serious bleeding, so they will refer the patient to a hematologist or treatment center.
Common questions
Can hemophilia be cured?
There is no widely available cure today. Treatment replaces the missing clotting factor or helps the blood clot in other ways. Researchers are studying gene therapy, which aims to fix the changed gene. Results differ from person to person.
Can a girl have hemophilia?
Yes, though it is rare. Most females who carry the changed gene are carriers without the disease. Some carriers have mild bleeding symptoms. In uncommon cases a female can have hemophilia herself.
Can people with hemophilia play sports?
Many do, with guidance from their care team. Activities like swimming, walking, and biking are often encouraged. Contact sports such as football carry a higher risk of bleeding and may not be advised.
Is hemophilia the same as von Willebrand disease?
No. Von Willebrand disease is a different bleeding disorder that involves a different protein. It is more common and usually milder. It affects males and females equally.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hemophilia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Hemophilia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - What is Hemophilia? Fact Sheet
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
