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Hemophilia Causes & Risks

Causes

Hemophilia is caused by a faulty gene inherited from one or both parent. It is called an inherited sex-linked recessive gene. The gene is located on the X chromosome.

Females carry two copies of the X chromosome. If the faulty gene is only on one X, the normal gene on the second X will take over. As a result, they will not get the disease. Instead they are carriers of the gene. The risk for their male offspring to inherit the gene is 1 in 2 or 50%. The chance that their female offspring will inherit the gene is also 50%. These offspring will be carriers like their mothers.

It is possible for a female to have hemophilia. For this to happen she must inherit the faulty gene from both her mother and her father.

Males carry only one X chromosome. If they get the faulty gene the disease will develop.

Genetic Outcome Possibilities

Fetus Chromosomes
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of hemophilia include:

  • Family members with hemophilia
  • Family history of bleeding disorders
  • Sex: male

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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