Sexism in the management of bleeding disorders

Sexism has been an issue in bleeding disorders for centuries. Women with bleeding disorders have been underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Those who are diagnosed often experience delays in diagnosis and feel that their symptoms are dismissed or minimized. Several factors contribute to this sexism. Historically, the clinical and research focus within the bleeding disorder community has been on men and hemophilia. Von Willebrand disease, a disease that has long been recognized as affecting women, is much more common than hemophilia, yet has significantly fewer resources devoted to it. The lack of knowledge and comfort that patients and health care providers have regarding menstruation compounds the issue, as heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common symptoms seen in women with bleeding disorders. Stemming from the universal stigmatization of periods, this lack of comfort and knowledge results in fewer women seeking care, fewer health care providers addressing the issue, and fewer women getting the care they deserve. Progress has been made, with many organizations dedicating resources to improving the care of these women. The road is long, and much more work is needed to ensure that women with bleeding disorders receive the care they deserve.