Treatment of Bleeding Disorders

The treatment for bleeding disorders varies. Disorders that cause minor bleeding problems may need no treatment. Medications are available to prevent or treat more severe bleeding problems, such as heavy periods or extreme bleeding during dental or surgical procedures. Birth control pills are frequently used to treat heavy bleeding in women with VWD. Nasal sprays, like desmopressin acetate (DDAVP), are used for both heavy menstrual bleeding and nosebleeds. A form of DDAVP can also be injected into a person's vein before surgery or if they are having serious bleeding. Medicines to clot the blood, called clotting agents, help control bleeding. For women who have extreme menstrual bleeding that does not go away with medication, sometimes surgery is an option. Endometrial ablation can be done, which applies heat, laser, or radio waves to the inside of the uterus, or womb, to control bleeding. Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus may also be done to stop bleeding. But, both of these surgeries, for women with bleeding disorders, increase the risk of bleeding from the surgery itself.

There are health care providers, called hematologists, who have special training in bleeding disorders that can help you find the best treatment options. For information about hemophilia, VWD and other bleeding disorders, contact HANDI, the National Hemophilia Foundation's information clearinghouse toll free at 800-42-HANDI.