About Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting 1-3% of the general population with 1 in 10,000 having clinically significant disease. It results from quantitative (Type 1: partial deficiency, Type 3: complete absence) or qualitative (Type 2: dysfunctional) deficiency of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a glycoprotein critical for platelet adhesion and carrier of factor VIII.
Type 1 is autosomal dominant, comprising approximately 75% of cases. Type 3 is autosomal recessive with complete vWF absence and most severe phenotype. Type 2 encompasses multiple dysfunctional variants with variable inheritance patterns. Pathophysiology involves impaired platelet adhesion to damaged endothelium and reduced factor VIII levels.
Clinical manifestations include mucosal bleeding (epistaxis, gingival bleeding, GI bleeding), heavy menstrual bleeding (particularly symptomatic in women), and excessive bleeding with trauma or surgery. Bleeding severity varies within the same type and even within affected families. Type 2 variants show markedly variable presentation. Type 3 patients have complete absence of functional vWF and factor VIII deficiency approaching hemophilia severity. Diagnosis requires vWF activity and antigen level measurement, factor VIII activity assay, and bleeding phenotype assessment.
Common Symptoms of Von Willebrand Disease
Recognizing the signs of Von Willebrand Disease early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. Symptoms may vary in severity from person to person. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, consider speaking with a specialist.
- Easy bruising and mucosal bleeding
- Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
- Nosebleeds
- Gum bleeding
- Prolonged bleeding after trauma or surgery
- Gastrointestinal bleeding in severe forms
Who Von Willebrand Disease Affects
Affects males and females equally in Types 1 and 3. Women disproportionately affected by bleeding symptoms due to menstrual blood loss and pregnancy-related complications. All ethnic backgrounds affected with similar prevalence. Type 1 autosomal dominant; Types 2 and 3 variable inheritance with Type 3 autosomal recessive.
Geographic variation minimal though some ethnic populations show higher incidence. African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic populations show prevalence approaching 1-3%. Asian populations may have lower reported prevalence. Type 2 variants show dramatic geographic variation.
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Help Paying for Von Willebrand Disease Treatment
Charity funds and drugmaker programs for Von Willebrand Disease, checked at the source. Pick your insurance to see what fits.
- From a charity · Hemophilia Federation of AmericaHelping Hands Program fundOpen
Pays for: Emergency living expenses ($250 prepaid card, once per year; referral through HTC or member organization; does not cover medical bills, copays or premiums), up to $250 per year.
The foundation says: “The Helping Hands program is now open on a limited basis for 2026. Due to funding constraints, a maximum of 20 requests will be approved…”
Side Effect Explorer
Real-world side effect reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Includes both FDA-approved drugs and investigational therapies from active clinical trials. Click any drug to see what patients reported.
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Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and identify family members who may be at risk.
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Trusted Von Willebrand Disease Resources
Reputable organizations and medical references for learning more about Von Willebrand Disease, including disease registries, foundation resources, and clinical guidelines.