Yes, I Have Hemophilia, Too!
Yes, I Have Hemophilia, Too!
Written by Madison DiPrima
Posted: October 6, 2025. This article was originally shared in our Summer 2025 Newsletter.
Living with a chronic condition like hemophilia has always made me feel different from everyone else. The constant threat of random bleeding episodes and symptoms causes a type of fear that never truly fades, especially when facing injuries and routine medical appointments like dental work. This emotional toll became a close companion, which was shaping not just my body’s limitations, but my mind as well.
As a woman living with hemophilia, I’ve faced challenges that go far beyond just the physical symptoms. One of the hardest parts is the constant need to prove that my condition is real, because so many people still think hemophilia only affects men. I’ve had my experiences questioned, my pain brushed aside, and my voice dismissed—all because I don’t fit the outdated stereotype, that only men can have hemophilia. That kind of thing starts to weigh on you after a while.
In relationships, it gets even more complicated. There’s always this fear in the back of my mind—like what if someone sees me as too fragile, or like I’m “too much” to handle? I want to be strong and independent, but needing treatment or extra care sometimes makes me feel like I’m asking for more than I should.
Additionally, managing my period has been one of the hardest parts of living with this condition. My cycles used to be extremely heavy and unpredictable, leaving me emotionally drained, anxious, and constantly worried about bleeding through at work or in public. It wasn’t just inconvenient—it was dangerous. Birth control became a lifeline for me. It helped regulate my periods, completely stop the bleeding, and gave me some sense of control over my body. But even that came with its own set of challenges: side effects, trial and error, and the frustration of feeling like I had to medically manage this process that so many others can regulate naturally. Still, using birth control has made a huge difference in my physical health and emotional well-being. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s one that’s helped me live with a little more peace and a lot less fear.
Living with hemophilia as a woman means carrying a weight that most people don’t even realize exists. It’s more than just managing bleeds or tracking treatments—it’s constantly navigating a world that wasn’t built with someone like me in mind. There’s the ever-present fear of a bleed, the draining reality of chronic pain, and the emotional toll of growing up feeling different, and sometimes, invisible. Even having a period—something so natural—can be dangerous, painful, and overwhelming without medical support. It’s a struggle I’ve learned to live with. But in that struggle, I’ve found strength. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, adapt to new situations, and listen to my body. What we need now is more than awareness. We need empathy. Behind the label of “hemophilia” are real people, trying to live full lives, love deeply, and be seen for more than just our diagnosis. We are not fragile; we are Wicked Strong.
Madison DiPrima is from Camden, ME, and has hemophilia. Her twin sister, Morgan, also has hemophilia.