People with haemophilia can have bleeding episodes, called 'bleeds'.
Without treatment, people with haemophilia can have prolonged bleeding after medical or dental procedures or surgery or with deep cuts or wounds.
Bleeding can occur internally in any part of the body, including muscles and joints, particularly after an injury or surgery. In some cases it can occur without an obvious cause - this is more common in severe haemophilia.
If internal bleeding is not stopped quickly with treatment, it will result in pain and swelling. Some people have treatment to prevent bleeds.
Women and girls may have heavy and/or long menstrual periods. Some women may have heavy bleeding for a long time after childbirth.
The person with the bleeding disorder will often be able to tell they are having a bleed before signs are visible. They get to know the way a bleed 'feels'. There are many signs of a bleed. These include but are not limited to: warmth, swelling from the affected area and bruising.
Over a period of time, repeated bleeding into joints and muscles can cause permanent damage, such as arthritis in the joints, and chronic pain.
Bleeds into the head, spine, neck, throat, chest, stomach or abdominal area are much less common but can be life-threatening. If this happens, the person with haemophilia should attend an emergency medical centre immediately and their Haemophilia Treatment Centre should also be contacted.