Von Willebrand Disease

von Willebrand disease is a common blood disorder that keeps your blood from clotting. This is an inherited disorder, meaning parents may pass the disorder on to their biological children. Healthcare providers treat this disorder with medication to help with blood clotting.

What happens if you have von Willebrand disease?

People with von Willebrand disease may bleed more than usual. For example, they may have frequent nosebleeds or bleed for a long time after getting a minor cut. Women or people designated female at birth (DFAB) may have heavy menstrual periods or heavy bleeding after giving birth. People who have the most serious form of von Willebrand disease may have bleeding into their joints or soft tissues that cause severe pain and swelling. Some people develop anemia.

How common is this condition?

von Willebrand disease affects 1% of the U.S. population and is the most common bleeding disorder in the United States. Globally, von Willebrand disease affects an estimated 23 to 110 in 1 million people. The numbers vary because people may have bleeding issues, but aren’t diagnosed with von Willebrand disease. In some cases, people have had bleeding issues for many years before they have a firm diagnosis.

Is von Willebrand disease the same as hemophilia?

von Willebrand is similar to hemophilia but typically causes less severe symptoms.