Florentine Devi Gnimavo, CNM

(30 Ratings)

Specializes in: Obstetrics & Gynecology and Midwifery

Professional interests include: laparoscopic surgery, menopause, pregnancy, and more.

1165 Imperial Drive Suite 300
Hagerstown, MD 21740

(301) 665-9098

Florentine Devi Gnimavo, CNM is a nurse in Hagerstown, MD specializing in obstetrics & gynecology and midwifery. Florentine Devi Gnimavo, CNM is affiliated with University of Maryland Medical System, Capital Women's Care and CAPITAL WOMENS CARE LLC.

Office Locations

11110 Medical Campus Road Suite 249
Hagerstown, MD 21742

(301) 714-4100

(301) 714-4101

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Capital Women's Care

1165 Imperial Drive Suite 300
Hagerstown, MD 21740

(301) 665-9098

(301) 665-9096

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1380 Progress Way Suite 102
Eldersburg, MD 21784

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504 E Ridgeville Boulevard Suite 110
Mount Airy, MD 21771

(410) 876-2003

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7601 Osler Drive
Towson, MD 21204

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Capital Women's Care

826 Washington Road Suite 130, Phyllis Green Professional Building
Westminster, MD 21157

(410) 876-2003

(410) 848-3009

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Some issues Florentine Devi Gnimavo, CNM can help you with:

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys and removes a thin layer of the uterine lining. It is usually performed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, especially if bleeding cannot be controlled by medications. After an endometrial ablation, periods often stop completely. If they do not, they are much lighter and easier to manage.

There are many different ways that the uterine lining can be removed, including radiofrequency, heat, microwaves, and cold. Ablations are usually performed with local anesthetic by an OB/GYN. A probe is inserted into the uterus through the vagina, and the end of the probe is expanded or moved around to access the uterine lining. Cramping and discharge afterwards are normal, but the procedure is not particularly painful.

Endometrial ablation is not for everyone. It shouldn't be done by women who have reached menopause, or women with uterine cancer or uterine infections. It is important to remember that an endometrial ablation does not remove the uterus or ovaries, so regular pelvic exams are still important after this procedure. Women who are considering endometrial ablation should also be done having children. Pregnancy is possible after an endometrial ablation, though not likely. If pregnancy does occur, an ablation increases the risks of miscarriage and other problems, so reliable birth control must be used after endometrial ablation all the way through menopause.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a kind of minimally invasive surgery using a thin, narrow tube called a laparoscope. Usually performed on the abdomen or the pelvic region, the surgeon makes a few very small incisions instead of one large one.

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which contains a light and camera that allows the surgeon to see what is happening inside the body. Then tiny tools are placed through the small openings and used to perform the surgery.

The most common laparoscopic surgery is gallbladder removal, but laparoscopic surgery may also be used for the removal of a kidney or appendix, to treat certain cysts and tumors, for bariatric surgery, for some GERD treatments, or for hernia repairs, among others.

Because laparoscopic surgery only uses a few tiny incisions, the scars are minimal and recovery is easier than with open surgery.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.

The symptoms of PCOS include:

Weight gain
Acne
Facial or body hair
Thinning head hair
Missing or irregular periods
Infertility

PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.

Treatment for PCOS may include:

Insulin sensitizers, which help the body use insulin more effectively, lowering hormone levels. The most commonly used insulin sensitizer is metformin.
Weight loss. Being overweight does not cause PCOS, and PCOS can make losing weight difficult. Still, weight loss can improve symptoms for many women.
Birth control pills to regulate menstruation and sometimes reduce symptoms such as acne.
Fertility medications, especially medications to stimulate ovulation such as clomiphene.
Anti-androgen medications, which work to treat symptoms such as acne and facial hair.
Low-carb diets, which work similarly to insulin sensitizers to lower hormone levels and help reduce weight.
Ovarian drilling or resectioning, surgical procedures sometimes performed if infertility is a persistent problem. These procedures open up the wall of the ovary to temporarily make ovulation more likely.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.