<p>Bleeding is the loss of <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/blood.html">blood</a>. It can be external, or outside the body, like when you get a cut or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/woundsandinjuries.html">wound</a>. It can also be internal, or inside the body, like when you have an injury to an internal organ. Some bleeding, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/gastrointestinalbleeding.html">gastrointestinal bleeding</a>, coughing up blood, or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/vaginalbleeding.html">vaginal bleeding</a>, can be a symptom of a disease.</p> <p>Normally, when you are injured and start bleeding, a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodclots.html">blood clot</a> forms to stop the bleeding quickly. Afterwards, the clot dissolves naturally. To be able to make a clot, your blood needs blood proteins called clotting factors and a type of blood cell called <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/plateletdisorders.html">platelets</a>. Some people have a problem with clotting, due to another medical condition or an inherited disease. There are two types of problems:</p> <ul> <li>Your blood may not form clots normally, known as a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bleedingdisorders.html">bleeding disorder</a>. This happens when your body does not make enough platelets or clotting factors, or they don't work the way they should.</li> <li>Your blood may make too many clots, or the clots may not dissolve properly</li> </ul> <p>Sometimes bleeding can cause other problems. A <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bruises.html">bruise</a> is bleeding under the skin. Some <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/hemorrhagicstroke.html">strokes</a> are caused by bleeding in the brain. Severe bleeding may require <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/firstaid.html">first aid</a> or a trip to the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/emergencymedicalservices.html">emergency room</a>.</p>