A 29-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist because of chronic pelvic pain that she has been experiencing for the last 6 months. Specifically, she says that she has severe pain during menstruation that is localized primarily to her lower abdomen and pelvis. In addition, she has been having pain while defecating and during intercourse. She has no past surgical history and her past medical history is significant for asthma. She uses protection while having intercourse with her long time boyfriend and has never been pregnant. Physical exam reveals adnexal tenderness and the presence of an adnexal mass. Laparoscopic examination is conducted showing several cysts filled with dark brown fluid on her ovaries and powder burn marks along her peritoneal surfaces. Which of the following markers would most likely be elevated in this patient?
Q112
A 29-year-old woman comes to the physician for evaluation of a mass in the left breast that she first noticed 2 weeks ago. During this period, the mass has not increased in size and the patient has had no pain. Three months ago, she hit her left chest against the closet door, which was painful for a day. Menses occurs at regular 28-day intervals and last for 5 days with moderate flow. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. Physical examination shows dense breasts and a 2.5-cm well-defined, rubbery, mobile mass that is nontender in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. There is no axillary adenopathy. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Q113
A 22-year-old Caucasian G1 presents to her physician at 29 weeks gestation for a checkup. The medical history is unremarkable and the current pregnancy has been uncomplicated. Her weight is 81 kg (178.6 lb) and the height is 169 cm (5 ft 6 in). She has gained 13 kg (28.6 lb) during the pregnancy. She has no abnormalities on physical examination. Which of the following screening tests should be obtained ?
Q114
A 36-year-old female presents to her gynecologist for a check-up. She has had normal Pap smears as recommended every 3 years since she turned 30 years old. The physician conducts a pelvic examination that is without abnormality and obtains a cervical Pap smear. The results of the patient's Pap smear from the visit return as high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL). Which of the following is the best next step in the management of this patient?
Q115
A 59-year-old woman comes to the physician because of worsening shortness of breath for the past two weeks. Physical examination shows decreased breath sounds at both lung bases. The abdomen is distended and there is shifting dullness with a positive fluid wave. Ultrasound of the abdomen shows a large collection of peritoneal fluid and a hypoechoic mass involving the left ovary. Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen from the ovarian mass shows clusters of spindle-shaped cells. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Q116
A 17-year-old girl comes to the physician for an annual health maintenance examination. She feels well. She has no history of serious illness and her only medication is an oral contraceptive. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42 years. She is currently sexually active with 1 male partner and uses condoms inconsistently. Her immunizations are up-to-date. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical and pelvic examinations shows no abnormalities. An HIV test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q117
A 25-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. Her last visit was 3 years ago. She feels well. One year ago, she underwent a tubectomy after the delivery of her third child. She does not take any medications. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. A Pap smear shows a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q118
A 29-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist as part of her follow-up for her abnormal pap test a year ago. She has a normal menstrual cycle and has never been pregnant. She does not take oral contraceptive pills, as she is sexually inactive. She denies the use of any illicit drugs. Conventional cytology from her cervix uteri is done, which reveals pathological findings suggestive of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion as shown in the photograph below. The same test last year revealed normal histological findings. What is the most likely process leading to these pathological findings in this patient’s pap smear?
Q119
A 16-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her mother because she has not attained menarche. She has no history of serious illness. She is at 50th percentile for height and weight. Examination shows no breast glandular tissue and no pubic hair development. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. A urine pregnancy test is negative. An ultrasound of the pelvis shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q120
A 23-year-old woman presents to your office for a gynecological exam. She says that she has been in good health and has no complaints. She has been in a steady monogamous relationship for the past year. Physical examination was unremarkable. Screening tests are performed and return positive for gonorrhea. You treat her with an intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone and 7 day course of doxycycline. What else is recommended for this case?
Screening tests US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 111: A 29-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist because of chronic pelvic pain that she has been experiencing for the last 6 months. Specifically, she says that she has severe pain during menstruation that is localized primarily to her lower abdomen and pelvis. In addition, she has been having pain while defecating and during intercourse. She has no past surgical history and her past medical history is significant for asthma. She uses protection while having intercourse with her long time boyfriend and has never been pregnant. Physical exam reveals adnexal tenderness and the presence of an adnexal mass. Laparoscopic examination is conducted showing several cysts filled with dark brown fluid on her ovaries and powder burn marks along her peritoneal surfaces. Which of the following markers would most likely be elevated in this patient?
A. CA-19-9
B. Bombesin
C. CA-125 (Correct Answer)
D. Alpha-fetoprotein
E. Beta-hCG
Explanation: ***CA-125***
- The patient's symptoms of **chronic pelvic pain**, **dysmenorrhea**, **dyschezia**, and **dyspareunia**, along with the laparoscopic findings of **powder burn marks** and **cysts filled with dark brown fluid** (endometriomas), are highly indicative of **endometriosis**.
- **CA-125** is a **tumor marker** that can be elevated in patients with endometriosis, particularly in more severe cases or when endometriomas are present, although it is not specific for the condition.
*CA-19-9*
- **CA-19-9** is primarily associated with **pancreatic cancer** and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
- It is not typically elevated in cases of endometriosis and would not be the most likely marker to be elevated here.
*Bombesin*
- **Bombesin** is a neuropeptide that acts as a growth factor for various cancer cells, including those of the lung and prostate.
- It is not a standard marker for gynecological conditions like endometriosis.
*Alpha-fetoprotein*
- **Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)** is a marker primarily used for diagnosing and monitoring **hepatocellular carcinoma** and **germ cell tumors** (e.g., yolk sac tumors).
- It is not associated with endometriosis.
*Beta-hCG*
- **Beta-hCG** is a hormone primarily produced during **pregnancy** and is also used as a tumor marker for certain **germ cell tumors** and **trophoblastic diseases**.
- While it can rule out pregnancy, it is not elevated in endometriosis.
Question 112: A 29-year-old woman comes to the physician for evaluation of a mass in the left breast that she first noticed 2 weeks ago. During this period, the mass has not increased in size and the patient has had no pain. Three months ago, she hit her left chest against the closet door, which was painful for a day. Menses occurs at regular 28-day intervals and last for 5 days with moderate flow. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. Physical examination shows dense breasts and a 2.5-cm well-defined, rubbery, mobile mass that is nontender in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. There is no axillary adenopathy. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Fibroadenoma (Correct Answer)
B. Fat necrosis
C. Fibrocystic changes of the breast
D. Lobular carcinoma
E. Phyllodes tumor
Explanation: ***Fibroadenoma***
- The patient's age (29 years old), the **rubbery, mobile, well-defined**, and **nontender nature** of the mass are classic features of a fibroadenoma.
- These benign tumors are common in young women and often do not change significantly with the menstrual cycle.
*Fat necrosis*
- While there's a history of trauma, **fat necrosis** typically presents as an **irregular, firm mass**, often mimicking carcinoma.
- It's usually associated with **skin retraction**, ecchymosis, or tenderness, which are absent here.
*Fibrocystic changes of the breast*
- This condition presents with **multiple, often tender, ill-defined masses** that fluctuate in size with the menstrual cycle, rather than a single stable mass.
- The described mass is **well-defined** and **nontender**, which is inconsistent with typical fibrocystic changes.
*Lobular carcinoma*
- **Invasive lobular carcinoma** often presents as a **poorly defined thickening** or an **infiltrating mass** and can be **difficult to palpate**.
- It is also more common in older women and would increase suspicion for malignancy, which is less likely given the benign characteristics described.
*Phyllodes tumor*
- This tumor can present similarly to a fibroadenoma but typically grows **rapidly** and can reach a large size, which is not indicated here.
- While it can be benign, borderline, or malignant, the **lack of rapid growth** and the classic description for a fibroadenoma make it less likely in this initial presentation.
Question 113: A 22-year-old Caucasian G1 presents to her physician at 29 weeks gestation for a checkup. The medical history is unremarkable and the current pregnancy has been uncomplicated. Her weight is 81 kg (178.6 lb) and the height is 169 cm (5 ft 6 in). She has gained 13 kg (28.6 lb) during the pregnancy. She has no abnormalities on physical examination. Which of the following screening tests should be obtained ?
A. Measurement of HbA1c
B. Fasting glucose level
C. Fasting oral glucose test with 50 g of glucose
D. Non-fasting oral glucose load test with 75 g of glucose
E. Non-fasting oral glucose challenge test with 50 g of glucose (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Non-fasting oral glucose challenge test with 50 g of glucose***
- This patient is at 29 weeks gestation, which is the recommended time for **gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening** between **24 and 28 weeks**.
- A 50g non-fasting glucose challenge test is the **initial screening step**, followed by a diagnostic 100g 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test if the screen is abnormal.
*Measurement of HbA1c*
- **HbA1c** is used to diagnose pre-existing diabetes or to monitor long-term glycemic control, but it is **not the primary screening test for GDM** due to its limitations in reflecting acute glucose fluctuations in pregnancy.
- While it can be useful in some cases, it's not the standard initial screening tool for GDM.
*Fasting glucose level*
- A **fasting glucose level** is part of the diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) but is **not typically used as a standalone screening test** for GDM.
- It would require the patient to fast, which is not part of the initial screening challenge.
*Fasting oral glucose test with 50 g of glucose*
- The initial glucose challenge test is **non-fasting** and involves 50g of glucose.
- A **fasting** state is reserved for the **diagnostic 100g or 75g OGTT**, not the initial screening.
*Non-fasting oral glucose load test with 75 g of glucose*
- A **75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)** is a diagnostic test for GDM, **not an initial screening test**.
- It is used when the 50g glucose challenge test is abnormal or in certain high-risk populations as the sole diagnostic step.
Question 114: A 36-year-old female presents to her gynecologist for a check-up. She has had normal Pap smears as recommended every 3 years since she turned 30 years old. The physician conducts a pelvic examination that is without abnormality and obtains a cervical Pap smear. The results of the patient's Pap smear from the visit return as high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL). Which of the following is the best next step in the management of this patient?
A. Perform colposcopy (Correct Answer)
B. Repeat Pap smear in 3 years
C. Obtain HPV DNA test
D. Repeat Pap smear in 12 months
E. Radical hysterectomy
Explanation: ***Perform colposcopy***
- A diagnosis of **High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HGSIL)** from a Pap smear necessitates **colposcopy** for further evaluation and directed biopsies.
- This procedure allows for direct visualization of the cervix to identify abnormal areas and confirm the presence and extent of precancerous lesions.
*Repeat Pap smear in 3 years*
- This approach is appropriate for patients with **normal screening results** or **low-risk findings**, not for HGSIL.
- Delaying further investigation in the presence of HGSIL could lead to progression of undiagnosed cervical cancer.
*Obtain HPV DNA test*
- While **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)** is the causative agent, an HPV DNA test is **not the primary next step** after an HGSIL diagnosis on a Pap smear.
- HGSIL indicates a high risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or 3, requiring immediate colposcopy, regardless of HPV status.
*Repeat Pap smear in 12 months*
- This follow-up schedule is typically recommended for certain **low-grade abnormalities** or **unremarkable HPV-positive results**, not HGSIL.
- HGSIL carries a significant risk of underlying high-grade dysplasia or early invasive cancer, mandating prompt colposcopy.
*Radical hysterectomy*
- **Radical hysterectomy** is an extreme and often unnecessary initial intervention for HGSIL.
- This procedure is reserved for **invasive cervical cancer** and is not indicated for precancerous lesions without confirmed invasion.
Question 115: A 59-year-old woman comes to the physician because of worsening shortness of breath for the past two weeks. Physical examination shows decreased breath sounds at both lung bases. The abdomen is distended and there is shifting dullness with a positive fluid wave. Ultrasound of the abdomen shows a large collection of peritoneal fluid and a hypoechoic mass involving the left ovary. Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen from the ovarian mass shows clusters of spindle-shaped cells. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serous cystadenoma
B. Ovarian thecoma
C. Ovarian fibroma (Correct Answer)
D. Dermoid cyst
E. Endometrioma
Explanation: **Ovarian fibroma**
- The combination of an ovarian mass, **ascites** (distended abdomen, shifting dullness, fluid wave), and **pleural effusions** (shortness of breath, decreased breath sounds at lung bases) is characteristic of **Meigs' syndrome**.
- **Ovarian fibromas** are benign tumors of the ovary composed of **spindle-shaped cells**, and they are the most common cause of Meigs' syndrome.
*Serous cystadenoma*
- This is a common **benign epithelial tumor** of the ovary, often cystic and filled with serous fluid.
- While it can cause pelvic symptoms or a mass, it is not typically associated with **Meigs' syndrome** or solid, spindle-cell histology.
*Ovarian thecoma*
- Thecomas are **sex cord-stromal tumors** that are typically **estrogenic**, often presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding.
- While they can be solid, they are not primarily associated with Meigs' syndrome, and their primary clinical feature is usually hormonal.
*Dermoid cyst*
- Also known as a **mature cystic teratoma**, a dermoid cyst is a **germ cell tumor** containing tissues derived from all three germ layers (e.g., hair, teeth, sebaceous material).
- It presents as a cystic mass and does not typically cause Meigs' syndrome, nor does it have a prominent spindle-cell histology.
*Endometrioma*
- An endometrioma is a **cystic mass** within the ovary filled with "chocolate" colored old blood, resulting from **endometriosis**.
- It causes pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea and is not associated with Meigs' syndrome or spindle-cell tumor histology.
Question 116: A 17-year-old girl comes to the physician for an annual health maintenance examination. She feels well. She has no history of serious illness and her only medication is an oral contraceptive. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42 years. She is currently sexually active with 1 male partner and uses condoms inconsistently. Her immunizations are up-to-date. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical and pelvic examinations shows no abnormalities. An HIV test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Complete blood count
B. Herpes simplex virus 2 serology
C. Nucleic acid amplification testing (Correct Answer)
D. Rapid plasma reagin test
E. PAP smear
Explanation: ***Nucleic acid amplification testing***
- Due to inconsistent condom use and being sexually active, the patient is at risk for **sexually transmitted infections (STIs)**.
- **NAAT** is highly sensitive for detecting common STIs such as **Chlamydia** and **gonorrhea** from urine or swab samples.
*Complete blood count*
- The patient is asymptomatic, feels well, and has normal vital signs, making a **complete blood count** unnecessary for routine screening.
- There are no indications of **anemia**, **infection**, or other hematologic abnormalities.
*Herpes simplex virus 2 serology*
- **HSV-2 serology** is generally not recommended for asymptomatic screening due to its limited utility and potential for false positives.
- Diagnosis of HSV-2 is usually based on clinical symptoms or direct viral detection from lesions.
*Rapid plasma reagin test*
- The **RPR test** screens for **syphilis**, but given inconsistent condom use, screening for more prevalent STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea is a higher priority.
- While syphilis screening can be considered, NAAT targets more common bacterial STIs in this demographic.
*PAP smear*
- Current guidelines recommend initiating **cervical cancer screening (PAP smear)** at age 21, regardless of sexual activity.
- The patient is 17 years old, so a PAP smear is not indicated at this time.
Question 117: A 25-year-old woman comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. Her last visit was 3 years ago. She feels well. One year ago, she underwent a tubectomy after the delivery of her third child. She does not take any medications. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. A Pap smear shows a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure
B. Colposcopy with directed cervical biopsies (Correct Answer)
C. Laser ablative therapy
D. Repeat cytology in 3 months
E. Repeat cytology at 12 months
Explanation: ***Colposcopy with directed cervical biopsies***
- A **high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)** on Pap smear requires immediate further evaluation regardless of age or prior screening.
- **Colposcopy** allows for visual inspection of the cervix and targeted **biopsies** to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the lesion.
*Loop electrosurgical excision procedure*
- This is a **treatment** for confirmed high-grade lesions, not the initial diagnostic step after an abnormal Pap smear.
- It would be performed after colposcopy and biopsy confirm cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2 or CIN3).
*Laser ablative therapy*
- Similar to LEEP, **laser ablation** is a treatment modality for confirmed cervical precancerous lesions.
- It is not used as a primary diagnostic tool after an abnormal Pap smear.
*Repeat cytology in 3 months*
- This approach is typically reserved for **low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL)** or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in younger women or those with specific risk factors.
- An **HSIL** requires prompt and definitive evaluation, not just repeat screening cytology.
*Repeat cytology at 12 months*
- This is an insufficient response for an **HSIL**.
- Delaying proper evaluation for a year could allow a high-grade lesion to progress to invasive cancer.
Question 118: A 29-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist as part of her follow-up for her abnormal pap test a year ago. She has a normal menstrual cycle and has never been pregnant. She does not take oral contraceptive pills, as she is sexually inactive. She denies the use of any illicit drugs. Conventional cytology from her cervix uteri is done, which reveals pathological findings suggestive of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion as shown in the photograph below. The same test last year revealed normal histological findings. What is the most likely process leading to these pathological findings in this patient’s pap smear?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Anaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Dysplasia (Correct Answer)
E. Atrophy
Explanation: ***Dysplasia***
- **Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)** is a direct pathological finding of **dysplasia**, characterized by disordered and **atypical cellular growth** within the epithelium.
- Dysplasia often results from persistent **human papillomavirus (HPV) infection**, which causes changes in the cervical epithelial cells that can be detected on a Pap smear.
*Hypertrophy*
- **Hypertrophy** refers to an increase in the size of cells, which leads to an increase in the size of the organ, rather than a change in cellular morphology or organization.
- It does not involve atypical cellular changes or disordered growth patterns as seen in LSIL.
*Anaplasia*
- **Anaplasia** describes a loss of differentiation in cells, indicating a more severe and aggressive form of malignancy with highly atypical and disorganized cells.
- While LSIL involves cellular changes, anaplasia is a hallmark of more advanced **cancer**, rather than a low-grade lesion.
*Hyperplasia*
- **Hyperplasia** is an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, which may be a physiological response or a precursor to neoplasia.
- It does not necessarily involve the atypical and disordered cellular architectural changes that characterize dysplasia and LSIL.
*Atrophy*
- **Atrophy** is a decrease in the size of a cell or organ due to a reduction in cell substance or number.
- This process is the opposite of the active cellular proliferation and atypical growth seen in LSIL.
Question 119: A 16-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her mother because she has not attained menarche. She has no history of serious illness. She is at 50th percentile for height and weight. Examination shows no breast glandular tissue and no pubic hair development. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. A urine pregnancy test is negative. An ultrasound of the pelvis shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Serum FSH level (Correct Answer)
B. Progesterone challenge test
C. Reassurance
D. Serum testosterone level
E. GnRH stimulation test
Explanation: ***Serum FSH level***
- This patient presents with **primary amenorrhea** (no menarche by age 16) and a lack of secondary sexual characteristics (no breast development or pubic hair), indicating a pubertal delay or arrest.
- Measuring **serum FSH** is the crucial initial step to differentiate between hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low FSH) and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (high FSH).
*Progesterone challenge test*
- The progesterone challenge test is used to assess for the presence of an intact endometrium and adequate estrogenization in patients with **secondary amenorrhea** or when primary amenorrhea is due to an outflow tract obstruction, which is less likely here given the lack of breast development.
- This test is not appropriate as an initial step because the patient lacks secondary sexual characteristics, suggesting a fundamental problem with estrogen production or gonadal function, not just progesterone withdrawal.
*Reassurance*
- Reassurance alone is inappropriate given the age of 16 and the complete absence of secondary sexual characteristics, which is outside the normal range for pubertal development and indicates a potential underlying medical condition.
- While pubertal delay can occur, the lack of any breast development at 16 years old warrants investigation, not just reassurance.
*Serum testosterone level*
- Measuring serum testosterone might be relevant if there were signs of **virilization** or if **androgen insensitivity syndrome** were suspected (e.g., in a patient with breast development but absent uterus), but this patient has no breast development or virilization.
- In a female presenting with primary amenorrhea and absent secondary sexual characteristics, FSH and LH are more pertinent initial investigations than testosterone.
*GnRH stimulation test*
- A **GnRH stimulation test** is typically performed to differentiate between hypothalamic and pituitary causes of **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism** (i.e., when FSH levels are already known to be low).
- It is not the initial diagnostic step; the first step is to determine if FSH levels are high or low, which then guides further investigation.
Question 120: A 23-year-old woman presents to your office for a gynecological exam. She says that she has been in good health and has no complaints. She has been in a steady monogamous relationship for the past year. Physical examination was unremarkable. Screening tests are performed and return positive for gonorrhea. You treat her with an intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone and 7 day course of doxycycline. What else is recommended for this case?
A. Perform an abdominal ultrasonography in order to rule out pelvic inflammatory disease
B. Recheck her in 1 week for gonorrhea and chlamydia
C. Treat her partner for gonorrhea and chlamydia (Correct Answer)
D. Treatment with penicillin G for potential co-infection with syphilis
E. Inform her that her partner is likely cheating on her
Explanation: ***Treat her partner for gonorrhea and chlamydia***
- **Expedited partner therapy (EPT)** is recommended for all partners of individuals diagnosed with gonorrhea and chlamydia to prevent reinfection and further spread.
- This involves providing medication or a prescription to the patient to take to their partner without prior medical evaluation of the partner.
*Perform an abdominal ultrasonography in order to rule out pelvic inflammatory disease*
- While **pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)** is a potential complication of untreated gonorrhea, the patient is asymptomatic and has no signs on physical exam.
- Imaging is typically reserved for patients with symptoms suggestive of PID, such as pelvic pain, fever, or adnexal tenderness.
*Recheck her in 1 week for gonorrhea and chlamydia*
- A **"test of cure"** (retesting after treatment) is not routinely recommended for uncomplicated urogenital or rectal gonorrhea treated with recommended regimens unless specific concerns exist (e.g., treatment with an alternative regimen, pharyngeal infection).
- Re-testing for infection (specifically for reinfection) is recommended approximately **3 months** after treatment, not 1 week.
*Treatment with penicillin G for potential co-infection with syphilis*
- While syphilis screening is important, there is no indication for empirical treatment with **penicillin G** in this asymptomatic patient without a positive syphilis test result.
- Syphilis co-infection is usually identified through serological testing (e.g., RPR, VDRL) and then treated based on the stage of syphilis.
*Inform her that her partner is likely cheating on her*
- It is inappropriate and unprofessional for a healthcare provider to make assumptions or accusations about a patient's relationship status or partner's fidelity.
- The focus should remain on providing medical care and appropriate disease management, including partner treatment and education about safer sex practices.