Blood that does not clot properly can be caused by a variety of factors and is medically known as coagulopathy . Inherited medical disorders such as hemophilia are among the most common reasons for blood not clotting as it should. Other possible causes include liver disorders, certain forms of cancer, or long-term use of some types of medication. Symptoms that may indicate a problem with blood not clotting properly may include weakness, dizziness, excessive bleeding from receiving a minor cut, or blood in the stool or vomit.
Hemophilia is an inherited medical disorder that causes the blood to not clot normally. This condition causes excessive bleeding after any injury that breaks the skin. Internal bleeding can also occur as a result of hemophilia. Without immediate treatment, hemophilia can be life-threatening. For reasons that are not fully understood, this disorder primarily affects men, with very few exceptions.
Liver disorders can sometimes lead to problems with blood not clotting properly. Hepatitis and liver cirrhosis are the most common liver disorders that can lead to this symptom. Hepatitis is a type of infection that affects the liver, while cirrhosis leads to the development of severe scar tissue.
Some forms of cancer carry the risk of causing complications, such as the blood not clotting as it should. This is particularly common in cancers that have spread to the liver, including pancreatic, colon, and breast cancer. Blood cancers like lymphoma or leukemia can also have this effect on the blood.
Long-term use of some prescription medications can cause your blood to not clot normally. Medications known as anticoagulants are designed to thin the blood, and prolonged use can prevent the blood's ability to clot. Some of the stronger antibiotics can also have this effect. Those taking these types of medications may be advised to have regular blood tests to ensure that this complication does not develop.
Any symptoms that indicate the blood may not be clotting as well as should be reported to a physician for further evaluation. These symptoms often include a feeling of weakness or dizziness along with unexpected bruising or difficulty cutting to stop the bleeding. Stools that are dark black or red should definitely be reported to a doctor, as internal bleeding may be present. Blood in the urine or dark vomit that resembles coffee grounds can also sometimes indicate a clotting problem.