WHY NO ONE TALKS ABOUT BLEEDING DISORDERS

Discussions about bleeding disorders in women often go hand in hand with talking about menstruation; a topic that is uncomfortable for many women to openly discuss. Due to this lack of clear communication, there are many misconceptions about what is normal and abnormal. This stigma around menstruation prevents many women from ever being diagnosed with a bleeding disorder in the first place.

Do you talk openly about your period? The answer for most women is “no”.

Even though menstruation is a natural bodily function, people in many parts of the world still view menstruating women as unclean. Today, women in some third world countries are forced to miss school on menstruation days. Charities like Days For Girls deliver life-enhancing menstruation kits to women living in poverty who otherwise have to manage their periods with rags and other makeshift materials. Here in North America, women are taught to be discrete about their periods by hiding their sanitary products and their experiences with menstruation.

Menstruation is not the only area of concern. Misconceptions about bleeding disorders are also prevalent. Some of the things people with bleeding disorders hear from their peers are based on assumptions. For instance, bleeding disorders are not contagious and a paper cut is unlikely to cause death.

As a society, we need to do our part to talk more openly about menstruation and bleeding disorders. Not discussing these key issues can be dangerous. Heavy and long-lasting periods can be a sign of a more serious bleeding disorder, and bleeding disorders can have disastrous impacts on your health if left untreated. People suffering with a bleeding disorder are at risk of bleeding excessively during events like dental work, surgery or childbirth. These procedures can be undergone safely if you have a bleeding disorder, but your doctor must be informed so you can be offered appropriate treatment and take the right precautions.

Let’s start the conversation on bleeding disorders! Start today by finding out if you have one – take the Self-BAT test which will help you determine if your bleeding is normal or abnormal. Talk to your doctor today.

To learn more about effective treatments or to continue the conversation, please get in touch with us by writing to us at the bottom of our website homepage. Join our communities on Facebook and Instagram to get regular information about bleeding disorders and help other women be empowered by this knowledge.