Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome in Aortic Stenosis
Types And Causes Of Blood Clotting Disorders
Blood clotting disorders are inherited or acquired conditions that affect the body's ability to form blood clots. Some types of blood clotting disorders may cause excessive formation of blood clots, which can lead to stroke or heart attack—and other types cause too much bleeding, which can lead to bruising, blood loss, and liver damage.
The term coagulation disorder describes conditions that cause excessive blood clots or conditions that cause excessive bleeding.
Photoboyko / Getty Images
What Is a Blood Clotting Disorder? A blood clotting disorder is a condition that disrupts the healthy formation of blood clots. Blood clotting disorders include conditions that interfere with the body's ability to form blood clots or cause blood to clot too easily. Blood clotting helps your body heal from injuries. A blood clot is a temporary "plug" that forms over a cut or a wound—inside or outside the body. Healthy blood clots serve to stop the bleeding within a few minutes. The blood clot withers away as the body heals from the injury over several days or up to a few weeks. Types of Blood Clotting Disorders Blood clotting disorders involve disruptions in the way the body forms blood clots. These may include bleeding disorders, in which the blood doesn't clot as well as it should, and hypercoagulable disorders, in which there is an increased tendency to form blood clots. Both types of coagulation disorders can be dangerous. Bleeding can lead to blood loss, anemia (low red blood cells), and organ damage and may be life-threatening. Blood clots can interrupt blood flow, leading to irreversible or fatal organ damage. Treatment can often reduce the risk of having a serious health outcome from a blood disorder, but some treatments can cause an overcorrection—resulting in the reverse coagulation disorder. Hypercoagulable Disorders Hypercoagulable disorders cause the blood to clot excessively, potentially causing blockages of blood flow in the arteries or veins. Such blockages deprive the organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage in the area of the body that isn't receiving proper blood flow—such as the heart, lungs, brain, or legs. Examples of hypercoagulable disorders include: Factor V Leiden thrombophilia mutation (an inherited disorder with a faulty blood clotting factor leading to an increased risk of blood clots) Prothrombin thrombophilia gene mutation (an inherited disorder with a faulty blood clotting factor leading to an increased risk of blood clots) Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that damage blood vessels and increase the risk of clots) Sickle cell disease (an inherited disorder in which the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin in red blood cells causes red blood cells to deform under low-oxygen conditions, block blood vessels, and activate coagulation) Inflammatory disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus Cancer Shock, such as after a traumatic injury Disseminated intravascular coagulation (a disruption of blood clotting due to factors such as severe infection, trauma, or cancer) Bleeding Disorders Bleeding disorders are inherited disease diseases or acquired conditions that cause excessive bleeding due to insufficient blood clot formation. These conditions can cause blood loss. Examples of bleeding disorders include: Side effects of blood thinner treatment Liver failure (due to low clotting factor production in the liver) Vitamin K deficiency (a vitamin needed for making clotting factors) Hemophilia (a group of inherited bleeding disorders due to not producing some clotting factors) Von Willebrand disease (VWD) (a usually inherited disorder with a low or malfunctioning clotting factor) Causes and Risk Factors Some hypercoagulable disorders and bleeding disorders are hereditary, and some of these conditions can develop later in life. Risk factors include: Nutrient deficiency Cancer Liver disease Medication side effects, especially blood thinners or hormone therapy Septicemia (blood infection) Severe infection Inflammatory disease Bone fractures Major surgery If you have known risk factors, your healthcare providers may take special precautions or may prepare for complications. For example, you might have testing to determine your blood type in case you need a blood or blood product transfusion during or after a major surgical procedure. Symptoms Symptoms of blood clotting disorders can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or suddenly—depending on their cause and severity. Symptoms of bleeding disorders can include: Frequent bruising, even after minor bumps Unexplained bruises Prolonged bruises Bleeding that soaks many bandages, even after minor cuts Heavy menstrual bleeding Symptoms of blood clots can include: Chest pain, which is a sign of a heart attack Shortness of breath, which can be a symptom of a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot lodged in the lung) Transient ischemic attack (TIA) symptoms, such as a few seconds of weakness or tingling on one side of the body, loss of one side of vision, slurred speech, or trouble walking Stroke, with weakness, sensory changes, speech disturbance, or vision changes lasting longer than a few seconds Blood Clotting Disorders and Pregnancy Bleeding disorders and hypercoagulable disorders can cause complications for the pregnant person and fetus during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. If you have a blood clotting disorder, it's important to discuss your plans to get pregnant with a healthcare provider so you can receive coordinated prenatal care, treatment for blood clotting during pregnancy, and a plan for labor and delivery. Diagnosing Blood Clotting Disorders Usually, the diagnosis of a blood clotting disorder involves blood tests and other diagnostic tests, such as imaging tests. Routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can detect anemia (low red blood cell count or function) or low platelets (cells active in blood clotting). However, CBC results alone can't diagnose a blood clotting disorder. Other specialized blood tests can help diagnose blood clotting disorders, and your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests based on your symptoms and initial blood test results: Additionally, imaging tests are sometimes used to identify blood clots in the brain, lungs, heart, legs, or neck blood vessels. An electrocardiogram (EEG) or echocardiogram can help identify damage from blood clots in the heart. Brain imaging tests can help to identify a stroke. Treatment and Management Options If you're diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder, you can get treatment, and you may need certain considerations in managing your condition as well. The treatments for each different blood clotting condition are specific to that condition. Examples of treatment for some blood clotting conditions include: Hypercoagulable conditions: Medications to prevent stroke, heart attack, and blood clots include aspirin, coumadin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), and others. Hemophilia: Blood transfusion or medication to increase red blood cell production can help replace low red blood cells. Blood clotting factor deficiency: Sometimes, blood clotting factors can be replaced. Autoimmune disorders: Anti-inflammatory therapies can lower the immune system function, preventing the immune system's effect on blood clotting factors. When to See a Provider Blood tests and other routine diagnostic screening tests can often help identify bleeding disorders or blood clotting disorders. So, keeping up with your recommended appointments is essential. Bleeding disorders can cause unusual bleeding or bruising. Blood clots can have serious health consequences, and some people might experience warning signs before a heart attack or stroke. You need to see a healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of coagulation disorders: Frequent bruising Unexplained bruises Prolonged bleeding from injuries Bleeding for more than a few seconds after minor cuts Bruises lasting for longer than a few days Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your symptoms and ask about your health history and family medical history. After you have a physical examination, your provider may order tests to help identify whether you have a bleeding disorder or a high risk of blood clots. When to Get Emergency Help Sometimes, blood clotting disorders can cause consequences that require prompt medical attention. Call for urgent help if you or someone else develops: Chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion Brief neurological symptoms, such as tingling, dizziness, or episodes of blurred vision Heavy bleeding that won't stop Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or like you will pass out Loss of consciousness Summary Blood clotting disorders include disorders that cause you to bleed too easily and disorders that can make you prone to blood clots. Both of these issues can cause health complications. Symptoms of a bleeding disorder include bruises and bleeding. Specialized blood tests can often help identify blood clotting disorders, and treatment can often reduce the risk of serious consequences. Some blood clotting disorders are hereditary, and if you know of a blood clotting disorder that runs in your family, you might be able to get a diagnosis and start treatment before you experience any symptoms or complications. 10 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Jover Pinillos JL, Ferrandis Comes R, et al. Preoperative coagulation tests: a narrative review of current guidelines. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim (Engl Ed). 2024;71(10):740-747. Doi:10.1016/j.Redare.2024.09.005 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Blood clotting disorders: types. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk factors for blood clots. MedlinePlus. Factor V Leiden thrombophilia. MedlinePlus. Prothrombin thrombophilia. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Antiphospholipid syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Complications of SCD: blood clots. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Bleeding disorders; types. Bao R, Fan M, Hu M, et al. Risk factors and predictive model for disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with multiple myeloma. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2025;31:10760296251316873. Doi:10.1177/10760296251316873 Hoang T, Dowdy RAE. Review of inherited coagulation disorders. Anesth Prog. 2024;71(2):87-95. Doi:10.2344/anpr-71-2_continuing_edu By Heidi Moawad, MDDr. Moawad is a neurologist and expert in brain health. She regularly writes and edits health content for medical books and publications. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error OtherWhat To Do When Sexual Intimacy And Bleeding Disorders Collide
"It looks like a murder scene every time." "I place multiple towels under me and make sure they're a dark color." "I gave up on towels and turned to doggie pee pads, which protect my bed better!"
I've heard countless women share such quotes and more when we gather at conferences for women with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. You might think these women were commenting on the realities of menstruating with a bleeding disorder. While that's possible, I'm referring here not to menstruation, but to sexual intimacy. No matter what some women do, they bleed profusely every time they have intercourse. There has to be another way!
I've often wondered why more hematologists don't discuss bleeding during intimacy with their patients. They have no problem asking about heavy menstruation, after all. Because of that, I want to encourage women with bleeding disorders who experience significant bleeding during sexual intimacy to reach out for help.
Ideally, they could speak with a hematologist and a gynecologist on staff at a hemophilia treatment center (HTC). An HTC social worker is often available as well to help navigate these sensitive conversations. The resources of the Foundation for Women and Girls+ with Blood Disorders also help in these cases.
Women should't have to worry whether their bed will be blood-soaked every time they connect intimately with a partner. Finding a doctor and specialists who are willing to listen to these issues is critical.
Documenting bleeding issues for your doctorWhen conveying the problem to a medical professional, gather and provide your doctor with documentation of bleeding issues that occur during or after intimacy. Keeping a journal to record the bleeding occurrence, the timing of menstruation, and anything that's helped reduce bleeding, all of which can be useful tools to explain the scope of the problem.
Additionally, even if this practice sounds gross, photographing everything can be helpful. "A picture is worth a thousand words," as the adage goes, and I think it's true with physicians as well. When a woman says she bleeds during or after sexual intimacy, her hematologist may not realize that she means she's pouring blood. Showing photos of a blood-soaked bed or a multitude of blood-soaked menstrual products, such as pads or tampons, can help a healthcare provider understand the issue more fully.
There's often value in uploading photos and other documentation to a patient care system such as MyChart, where it becomes part of a medical record and can encourage dialogue with a healthcare provider. It also allows those providers to monitor bleeding issues in real time. Some women may be hesitant to send bloody photos to a healthcare provider, but to me, the value of doing so outweighs the initial awkwardness.
A hematologist, in turn, may be able to work with a patient to identify products that prevent or slow down bleeding during intimacy.
No woman with a bleeding disorder should suffer to have sexual relations with their partner. It's important for both people in the relationship to feel comfortable and safe. Speak with your partner to process and understand both of your feelings. Discussing the bloody intercourse openly, in fact, is a key way to navigate the issue and make a difference. You and your partner may decide to explore alternatives to intercourse that still offer intimacy. Your partner can otherwise support you and even help document the problem. They can advocate, too, as an ally working toward your ideal options as a couple.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves sexually if they want. You and your relationships are worth the investment!
Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
How To Make An Emergency Plan For Hemophilia B
Hemophilia B is a genetic condition that limits your blood's ability to clot. Without prompt treatment, it can become a life threatening emergency. Creating a plan can help you better manage unforeseen circumstances.
Hemophilia B is a rare bleeding disorder that can cause prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery. In severe cases, you may experience spontaneous bleeding with no injury.
If you have hemophilia B, it is important to create an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit, and take other steps to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
Natural disasters and other disruptions can make it harder to access medical care. Even vacations or short trips away from home may be high-risk if you aren't prepared. Taking time to plan ahead can help you manage bleeding episodes in a variety of circumstances.
Read on to learn how to prepare by making an emergency plan and more.
Consider taking some time to create an emergency plan with other members of your household.
Researching potential disasters and resources
Working with members of your household to create a shared disaster management plan
Considering how you'll manage hemophilia if a disaster occurs
Consider adding reminders to your calendar to regularly update and review your emergency plan with members of your household. Conducting emergency preparedness drills may also help you get ready.
If your nearest hemophilia treatment center closes due to a disaster, contact the National Hemophilia Foundation's Information Resource center at 1-800-42-HANDI (800-424-2634) or email handi@hemophilia.Org. They can help you locate another hemophilia treatment center and other emergency resources.
In the case of a disaster, you might need to evacuate your home or community quickly. Creating an emergency kit can help you prepare for a hasty exit.
Standard emergency kit contents should include:
If you have hemophilia B, it's also important to pack:
Some clotting factor products and other medications last longer at room temperature than others. You may need to keep your medication in the refrigerator until you leave your home.
When the time comes to add your medication to an emergency kit or go-bag, consider packing it in a resealable bag or insulated container with an ice pack. Keeping multiple ice packs in your freezer can help you stay ready.
Make sure you check the expiration dates of your supplies, and replace them when necessary.
Pack all of your emergency kit supplies in watertight containers to keep them dry. Store your emergency kit in a location where it's easy to grab, and consider taking it when you travel on long trips.
Even when you're leaving your home for routine activities or planned trips, it's important to be prepared for a potential bleed.
Consider keeping a go-bag of clotting factor and other supplies ready at all times so that it's easy to grab when you're heading out the door. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper storage, and remember to promptly replace expired supplies.
Along with your clotting factor and other supplies, consider keeping an emergency care letter in your emergency kit and go-bag.
This letter should provide essential information about your condition, such as:
You can also share a copy of this letter with friends, family members, and other people who might need to help you in the case of an emergency.
If you have a child with hemophilia B, consider downloading and completing a copy of these forms from the Hemophilia Federation of America:
Consider sharing a copy of the completed forms with your child's babysitters, teachers, or other caregivers.
It's also important to teach their caregivers how to recognize and respond to a bleed. Give them an opportunity to ask questions and review essential information on a regular basis.
A medical alert ID provides information about your condition in an emergency when you might not be able to communicate for yourself.
Multiple companies market wearable medical alert IDs, which include:
Make sure the ID is easy to see and recognize.
You might also carry an emergency information card with details about your condition in your wallet. You can affix a copy of this card to the sun visor of your car as well.
If you have a young child with hemophilia B, consider attaching an emergency information card to their car seat.
When you have hemophilia B, prompt treatment is essential for managing bleeds. Natural disasters and other emergencies can make it harder to get the treatment you need.
Creating an emergency plan, preparing an emergency kit, and communicating information about your condition to others are just a few of the steps that you can take to prepare for a potential emergency.
To find more emergency preparedness tips and tools, visit:
Planning ahead can help you stay safe, even when your usual routine or treatment services are disrupted.
Comments
Post a Comment