von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder stemming from a lack or deficiency of von Willebrand's factor in the blood.
Diminished vWf levels can also make it look as though a patient has low Factor VII and VIII, which are indicitative of hemophilia.
Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease.
The disease is not contagious. Symptoms include but are not limited to: mild or extensive spontaneous bruising (i.e. bruises, especially on the extremities, where you didn't bump yourself), nosebleeds, bloody gums when you brush your teeth, and heavy periods.
Often misdiagnosed as either a gynological problem (because of the heavy bleeding -- many women even have surgery to correct this and never suspect it's NOT a gynological problem) or, even better, a domestic abuse problem.
Some women with vWd are unable to carry a child.
vWd is the most common blood disorder. It is more common in women than in men. It is more common for whites than any other ethnic group.
Treatment includes nasal spray and transfusions. Being pregnant can completely eliminate vWd for reasons that are not yet known. Treatment also includes, for women, birth control pills (which makes sense, since the pill basically tricks your body into thinking it's pregnant.) Many patients with vWd opt to go without treatment, however, and simply wear a MedicAlert bracelet in case of severe trama. These patients need to be especially careful regarding their diet (amazing what you can do just by changing what you eat!) and make sure they get enough iron and protein to help their blood cells function as well as possible. These patients also need to be watchful of symptoms; increased bruising, nosebleeds that don't stop, an especially heavy and long menstrual period, etc. may indicate they need to seek treatment.