What is von Willebrand Disease?
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inheritable bleeding disorder. Many different proteins are needed to make a person’s blood clot successfully. People with VWD are either missing or low in the clotting protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) – or it doesn’t work as it’s supposed to. For a person to make a successful clot, VWF binds to factor VIII (8), another clotting protein, and platelets in blood vessel walls. This process will help form a platelet plug during the clotting process. People with VWD are not able to form this platelet plug, or it will take longer to form. The condition is named after Finnish physician Erik von Willebrand, who first described it in the 1920s.

VWD is the most common bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1% of the US population – or approximately 1 in every 100 people. It occurs equally in men and women. However, women may be more symptomatic due to heavy menstrual bleeding (periods). VWD occurs equally across all races and ethnicities.

The guidelines for VWD were updated in 2021. Click here to read the guidelines in full, or scroll to the bottom of this page for more information.

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The main symptoms of VWD are:

• Frequent (more than 5 a year) nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes

• Bleeding from cuts or injuries that lasts longer than 10 minutes

• Bruising easily, with bruises that are raised and larger than a quarter

• Being told you are “low in iron” or have been treated for anemia.

• Heavy bleeding after any surgery including dental surgery

• Having someone in your family who has one or more of these symptoms

• Have someone in your family who has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder such as von Willebrand disease or hemophilia.

• For women, girls and those who menstruate:

  • Heavy periods, also called heavy menstrual bleeding, (having to change one pad or tampon every hour) or periods that last longer than 7 days

  • Heavy bleeding after childbirth or miscarriage