Haemophilia is a bleeding problem due to a lack of normal levels of a clotting factor. Clotting factors are proteins in blood which help to control bleeding. People with haemophilia do not bleed faster than normal, but they can bleed for a longer period of time.

Haemophilia is quite rare and it affects about one in 7,000 males. The most common type of haemophilia is called Haemophilia A. This means the person does not have enough clotting Factor 8 (VIII). A less common type is called Haemopholia B. This person does not have enough clotting Factor 9 (IX).

Bleeding into a joint or muscle causes

• An ache or "funny feeling"
• Swelling
• Pain and stiffness
• Difficulty using a joint or muscle