Understanding the Most Common Inherited Bleeding Disorder
When people think of bleeding disorders, hemophilia is usually the first one that comes to mind. But there’s another condition that’s even more common — and often overlooked: von Willebrand disease (VWD).
So, What Is It?
Von Willebrand disease is a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot properly. It's caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of a protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF), which helps blood cells stick together and stop bleeding.
Signs and Symptoms
Because symptoms can vary from mild to severe, many people live with VWD for years without knowing they have it. Some of the most common signs include:
- Frequent or prolonged nosebleeds
- Easy bruising
- Heavy or long menstrual periods
- Excessive bleeding after surgery, dental work, or injury
- In children, noticeable bruising or bleeding from minor bumps
Who Does It Affect?
Unlike hemophilia, which mostly affects males, VWD affects both men and women equally. However, women are often diagnosed more frequently due to symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding complications during childbirth.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests that measure how well your blood clots and how much von Willebrand factor you have. Because levels can fluctuate (due to stress, hormones, illness), testing might need to be done more than once for accurate results.
Is There Treatment?
Yes! While there’s no cure, treatment options are available to help control symptoms. These might include:
- Medications that stimulate the release of von Willebrand factor
- Clotting factor concentrates (for more severe cases)
- Hormonal treatments to control menstrual bleeding
- Desmopressin (a synthetic hormone)
- Antifibrinolytics to prevent clot breakdown
With the right care plan, people with VWD can live full, healthy lives.
Why Awareness Matters
Many people with VWD go undiagnosed because the symptoms can be mistaken for "normal" issues like heavy periods or being prone to bruising. But early diagnosis can make a big difference — helping to prevent complications during surgery, dental work, or accidents.
If you or someone you know shows signs of a bleeding disorder, don’t ignore it. Speak to a healthcare provider and ask about testing for von Willebrand disease.