ACOG Committee Opinion No. 451: Von Willebrand disease in women
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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
Approximately 3 million women in the United States have inherited bleeding disorders. The prevalence of bleeding disorders is particularly high among women with menorrhagia. Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Once a diagnosis is made, collaboration with a hematologist is helpful for long-term management. Women with von Willebrand disease may be at increased risk for gynecologic and obstetric complications. Many treatments are available for the control of menorrhagia in women with von Willebrand disease, but the first-line therapy remains combined hormonal contraception.
Approximately 3 million women in the United States have inherited bleeding disorders. The prevalence of bleeding disorders is particularly high among women with menorrhagia. Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Once a diagnosis is made, collaboration with a hematologist is helpful for long-term management. Women with von Willebrand disease may be at increased risk for gynecologic and obstetric complications. Many treatments are available for the control of menorrhagia in women with von Willebrand disease, but the first-line therapy remains combined hormonal contraception.
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