Can Women Really Have Haemophilia? The Truth May Surprise You. On World Haemophilia Day, it’s time to break the myth that only men are affected. Discover how women, too, can suffer from haemophilia and why awareness is key.
When you hear the word “haemophilia,” do you instantly think of it as a condition that affects only men? You’re not alone. For decades, the common belief has been that women can only be carriers of haemophilia—never actual patients. But on this World Haemophilia Day, it’s crucial to uncover the truth: women can and do have haemophilia, and they deserve equal attention, diagnosis, and care.
Despite its genetic link to the X chromosome, haemophilia can present with real, sometimes serious symptoms in women. Unfortunately, many are still misdiagnosed or ignored, leaving them without proper treatment. This article explores the science, symptoms, and strategies for better diagnosis and care for women with haemophilia. Let’s bust the myths—and make sure no woman is left undiagnosed or untreated.
Understanding the Genetics: Why Women Can Also Be Affected
Haemophilia is caused by a defect in the genes that produce clotting factor VIII or IX, located on the X chromosome. Men (XY) only have one X chromosome, so if it’s faulty, they show symptoms. Women (XX), however, can carry one faulty and one healthy gene. Typically, the healthy gene compensates—but not always.
Due to a process called X-chromosome inactivation (or lyonization), the functioning gene can become less active. This allows the faulty gene to dominate, resulting in low clotting factor levels and symptoms typically seen in haemophilia.
On this World Haemophilia Day, it’s vital to remember that a woman with factor levels below 40% can experience mild to severe haemophilia symptoms.
Common Symptoms in Women That Are Often Missed
Symptoms in women can often be subtle or misattributed. These include:
- Heavy or prolonged periods (menorrhagia)
- Easy bruising
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Excessive bleeding after dental procedures or childbirth
- Joint or muscle bleeds
Often, these symptoms are mistaken for gynaecological or hormonal issues, which is why they’re frequently dismissed. This World Haemophilia Day, we must raise awareness that these signs could signal an underlying bleeding disorder.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis in Women
Identifying haemophilia in women requires more than a family history. Accurate diagnosis involves:
- Clotting factor tests (Factor VIII and IX assays)
- Genetic testing to identify mutations
- Bleeding assessment tools, such as the ISTH BAT
Diagnosis is especially critical for women before surgeries, during pregnancy, and when planning a family. On World Haemophilia Day, spreading awareness about diagnostic protocols for women can save lives.
Managing Haemophilia in Women: What Healthcare Should Look Like
Treatment must be personalised for women and girls, and may include:
- Hormonal therapy or tranexamic acid for heavy periods
- Iron supplements for anaemia
- Factor replacement therapy before surgeries
- Desmopressin to temporarily increase clotting factor levels
During pregnancy, care must be coordinated between haematologists, gynaecologists, and anaesthetists. World Haemophilia Day is a perfect moment to advocate for better care models that address the unique needs of women with bleeding disorders.
India’s Role: Closing the Gender Gap in Haemophilia Care
In India, the need for awareness and action is urgent. Many women go undiagnosed due to lack of access to tests or trained specialists. Here’s what needs to change:
- Wider access to clotting factor testing
- Routine screening in families with known haemophilia
- Nationwide awareness campaigns on World Haemophilia Day
- Training doctors—especially gynaecologists—to identify symptoms
- A national database for women carriers and symptomatic patients
Why is World Hemophilia Day Celebrated?
World Hemophilia Day is celebrated to raise awareness about hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. It aims to promote better diagnosis, access to care, and treatment for individuals affected by these conditions. The day is observed on April 17 each year in honor of Frank Schnabel, the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
What is the Theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025?
The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025 has not been officially announced yet. The theme usually emphasizes a specific focus such as improving access to care, early diagnosis, or global unity in supporting those with bleeding disorders. For the most current theme, check the official WFH website closer to the date.
What Disease is Hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a rare, inherited bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to the lack of certain clotting factors. The two main types are:
- Hemophilia A: Caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII.
- Hemophilia B: Caused by a deficiency in clotting factor IX.
People with hemophilia may experience prolonged bleeding, spontaneous internal bleeding, and joint damage. Treatment typically includes clotting factor replacement therapy to prevent or manage bleeding episodes.
World Hemophilia Day 2025
World Hemophilia Day 2025 will be celebrated on April 17, 2025. The day aims to raise awareness about hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders, promote the importance of early diagnosis, and highlight the need for better care and access to treatment for individuals living with these conditions. The theme for 2025 will likely be revealed closer to the date, but it will likely focus on one of these critical areas: treatment accessibility, patient care, or global healthcare equality.
World Hemophilia Day Theme 2025
As of now, the official theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025 has not yet been released. The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) typically announces the theme in advance, which is often designed to address a specific issue within the community, such as awareness, access to treatment, or improving quality of life for those with bleeding disorders. You can check the WFH’s official website closer to the date for the most up-to-date information.
World Hemophilia Day Essay
Essay on World Hemophilia Day:
World Hemophilia Day, celebrated on April 17 every year, serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by individuals living with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The day encourages the global community to come together and support these individuals in their fight for better healthcare and access to treatment. Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot properly due to deficiencies in clotting factors. This leads to prolonged bleeding and can result in severe complications.
The day is marked by various educational and awareness campaigns organized by organizations such as the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), which strives to improve the lives of people with bleeding disorders worldwide. The organization focuses on enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and support systems for people with hemophilia. World Hemophilia Day emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and spreading awareness about this condition to reduce the stigma and isolation that many individuals with hemophilia face.
World Liver Day
World Liver Day is observed on April 19 every year to raise awareness about liver diseases and the importance of liver health. The day aims to educate the public about the causes, prevention, and treatment of liver conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer. It emphasizes the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent liver-related illnesses and encourages early detection and medical intervention.
World Federation of Hemophilia
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is an international organization that focuses on improving the quality of life of people with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. Founded in 1963, the WFH works globally to promote access to care, raise awareness, and ensure that individuals with bleeding disorders have access to essential treatments and therapies. The organization also provides education, training, and resources to healthcare providers worldwide to improve the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia.
Why Celebrate World Hemophilia Day?
World Hemophilia Day is celebrated to:
- Raise Awareness: To educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
- Promote Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis of hemophilia is crucial to prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.
- Advocate for Better Treatment: Many people with hemophilia still lack access to essential clotting factor treatment. The day serves as a platform to advocate for better treatment options, especially in low-income regions.
- Support Research and Funding: It’s an opportunity to highlight the need for continued research and funding for treatments and a potential cure for hemophilia.
- Show Solidarity: To show support and solidarity with those living with hemophilia and to reduce the stigma around the condition.
Conclusion: On World Haemophilia Day, It’s Time to Break the Silence Around Women and Haemophilia
World Haemophilia Day isn’t just about recognising a rare disorder—it’s about redefining the way we understand and treat it, especially in women. For too long, myths and misconceptions have left countless women misdiagnosed, untreated, or completely ignored.
We now know that women can experience the same symptoms—and severity—of haemophilia as men. Thanks to advancements in genetic science and a growing body of clinical evidence, it’s time to end the outdated belief that haemophilia is a “men-only” condition.
Let this World Haemophilia Day serve as a wake-up call to healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. By improving diagnosis, educating doctors, expanding testing, and offering personalised treatment, we can ensure that every woman with haemophilia gets the care she truly deserves. Empowering women with knowledge, support, and access to proper healthcare is not only just—it’s necessary.
