September is VWD month at IDNBDF. During the entire month we will host educational sessions and post on social media to spotlight von Willebrand Disease (VWD).  Learn more about our VWD and our September VWD Month events below.

Learn About VWD

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inheritable bleeding disorder. Many different proteins are needed to make a person’s blood clot successfully. People with VWD are either missing or low in the clotting protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) – or it doesn’t work as it’s supposed to. For a person to make a successful clot, VWF binds to factor VIII (8), another clotting protein, and platelets in blood vessel walls. This process will help form a platelet plug during the clotting process. People with VWD are not able to form this platelet plug, or it will take longer to form. The condition is named after Finnish physician Erik von Willebrand, who first described it in the 1920s.

VWD is the most common bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1% of the US population – or approximately 1 in every 100 people. It occurs equally in men and women. However, women may be more symptomatic due to heavy menstrual bleeding (periods). VWD occurs equally across all races and ethnicities.

You can learn more about the types of VWD, how VWD is diagnosed, and treatment options by clicking the button below.

Register for a 2025 VWD Month Virtual Event

During the month of September, we will be hosting fun and educational events online for people affected by VWD. Stay tuned for more details about the specific events!