Hemophilia occurs when your body lacks one of several clot-forming proteins called clotting factors. The result is prolonged bleeding.

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of selected proteins in your blood-clotting system. Clotting is the process by which your blood changes from a liquid to a solid state in order to stop bleeding.

The clotting process makes use of blood particles called platelets and clot-forming proteins called clotting factors. Your blood has 13 clotting factors, identified by roman numerals, that are involved in the clotting process.

Hemophilia occurs in three types — A, B and C — depending on which clotting factor is deficient. All types can cause prolonged bleeding. If you have hemophilia and you have a cut, you'll bleed for a longer time than if your blood clotted normally. Small cuts usually aren't much of a problem. The greater problem is deep internal bleeding and bleeding into joints.

Self-care

These steps may help you avoid excessive bleeding and protect your joints:

• Exercise regularly. Activities such as swimming, bicycle riding and walking can build up your muscles while protecting your joints. Don't engage in contact sports.

• Avoid certain medications. Drugs that can aggravate bleeding include aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, others). Instead, use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), which is a safe alternative for mild pain relief. Also avoid certain blood-thinning medications, such as heparin and warfarin (Coumadin), which prevent blood from clotting.

• Practice good dental hygiene. This can help you avoid the need to have a tooth pulled, which can precipitate excessive bleeding.