Hemophilia is a chronic disorder. This means that there is no cure and patients must deal with it throughout their lives. By managing their disease, however, they can continue to enjoy work, exercise, socializing, and other normal activities.

What you can expect over time with hemophilia depends on many different things. The severity of hemophilia, treatment, and current health status can all affect the future for a patient with this disorder.

Patients with mild hemophilia are less likely to have serious problems related to the disorder. Those with severe hemophilia can avoid serious complications with the proper treatment. With proper care and treatment, people with hemophilia can expect to live a normal lifespan.

Without proper treatment, hemophilia can cause chronic problems such as arthritis. However, research has shown that patients who use preventative treatment have fewer problems related to hemophilia. Starting treatment before chronic problems can begin lessens the risks of crippling and bleeding into the joints and muscles.

Many patients with hemophilia fear bleeding that might occur with dental care. These patients often fail to take care of their gums and teeth. As a result, they have more dental problems, which can create other problems. Taking care of the gums and teeth can reduce the risk of future dental problems and the risks and pain they can cause.

Many patients who received blood products before 1985 were infected with various viruses. Since 1985, the safety and purity of products for treating hemophilia has significantly improved. For this reason, patients now have little to fear from infusions.

Hemophilia can be in control of the patient's life or the patient can be in control of the hemophilia. Current treatment approaches allow patients to lead full and meaningful lives. Hemophilia treatment centers are designed to help patients with hemophilia address issues in all aspects of life.

Using services such as counseling to help manage problems related to hemophilia is not a sign of weakness. Following your doctor's advice and using needed services is a sign that you intend to control your hemophilia and its impact. Indeed, what you can expect over time depends largely on how you manage the disease.

First published March 1, 2000
Last updated December 2, 2002
Copyright © 2000 Accordant Health Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Or Find More On:

Back to top of page