Hemophilia in Males: Carrier Status Explained

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder. Males have one X and one Y chromosome; females have two X chromosomes.

• A male who inherits one mutated hemophilia gene on his X chromosome will have the disease (no second X to compensate).
• A male cannot be an asymptomatic carrier of classic hemophilia A or B. If he has the mutation, he expresses the disorder.

The original text contains a genetic inaccuracy. In X-linked recessive disorders, males are affected, not carriers. Females with one mutated allele are carriers (usually asymptomatic). A male's daughters will all be carriers; his sons will be unaffected (inheriting his Y chromosome).

Genetic counseling is recommended for families with hemophilia history.