About von Willebrands

von Willebrand disease is another genetic bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting normally. It is caused by a deficient or defective blood protein known as von Willebrand factor. It occurs with equal frequency in men and women. It is estimated to affect more than two million people in the U.S. Of the three main types, type I (the mildest form of the disease) accounts for 70% of cases. Symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, a tendency to bruise easily, and excessive bleeding following surgery. In women, the disease may also cause heavy, prolonged bleeding during menstruation and excessive bleeding following childbirth. VWD is often undiagnosed or incorrectly attributed to a gynecologic condition.