If you are a woman or girl with a bleeding disorder like haemophilia or von Willebrand disease (VWD), getting good care for your bleeding disorder in an emergency or if you are having medical or dental procedures can involve some preparation and being able to speak up for yourself.
Women bleed too – self advocacy if you have a bleeding disorder
In this video, Australian women Sharron, Cheryl, Shauna, Susie and Robyn talk about their experiences and what they have learned.
Bleeding disorders are rare and health professionals may not be familiar with them – or know that women and girls have bleeding symptoms too. Educating yourself about your bleeding disorder, getting a diagnosis and a treatment plan from a specialist Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) and preparing for emergencies and procedures with your HTC – this will make a huge difference to your treatment experience.
Many women find that sharing experiences and strategies that have worked for them is a great way to build their confidence with self-advocacy. Many local Foundations have women’s peer support groups where women can talk with others who have had similar experiences and understand what it is like.
Visit The Female Factors page to find out more about:
- women and peer support
- HFA education resources for women