What is hemophilia primarily characterized by?

Hemophilia is primarily characterized by a bleeding disorder that significantly slows down the blood clotting process. This condition arises from deficiencies in specific clotting factors, which are proteins in the blood that help control bleeding. In individuals with hemophilia, even minor injuries can lead to prolonged bleeding, as their bodies cannot effectively form blood clots. This can result in spontaneous bleeding episodes, particularly in the muscles and joints, highlighting the importance of the clotting process in maintaining overall health. Understanding this characteristic helps differentiate hemophilia from other blood-related conditions, such as blood cancers or those associated with excessive clotting, which do not share the same underlying mechanisms.