A 25-year-old single woman comes to the gynecologist's office for a follow-up visit related to her abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. The test revealed that the patient has human papillomavirus (HPV). The patient asks, "What is that? Can you get rid of it?" Your best response is:

Choice A reason: Using male condoms is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of STDs, especially those caused by viruses or bacteria. However, condoms are not 100% foolproof and may not protect against some STDs that can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes or HPV.

Choice B reason: Having multiple sex partners increases the risk of getting an STD, as it exposes the person to more potential sources of infection. The more partners a person has, the more likely they are to encounter someone who has an STD or does not know their status.

Choice C reason: Delaying sexual relations as long as possible is another way to lower the risk of getting an STD, as it reduces the number of sexual exposures and the chances of encountering an infected partner. Young people are especially vulnerable to STDs, as they may have less knowledge, experience, or access to preventive measures.

Choice D reason: All of the above choices are valid ways to lower the risk of getting an STD, but none of them are sufficient on their own. The best way to prevent STDs is to practice abstinence or be in a mutually monogamous relationship with a tested and uninfected partner. Additionally, regular testing, screening, and treatment are essential for detecting and curing STDs before they cause serious complications.

Choice A reason: Herpes simplex virus is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of someone who is infected, usually through oral or genital sex. Symptoms include painful blisters and sores in the mouth or genitals. It does not cause life-threatening infections, but it can increase the risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

Choice B reason: Human papillomavirus is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of someone who is infected, usually through genital sex. Symptoms include genital warts and cervical cancer. It does not cause life-threatening infections, but it can increase the risk of other cancers.

Choice C reason: Human immunodeficiency virus is correct because it is the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluid of someone who is infected, usually through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or passed from a mother to a baby at birth. Symptoms may take 10 years or more to show. Once they appear, the person is susceptible to life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or cancer. This condition is also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the saliva, urine, or breast milk of someone who is infected, usually through kissing, sexual contact, or breastfeeding. Symptoms are usually mild or absent in healthy people, but they can be serious in people with weakened immune systems or unborn babies. It does not cause life-threatening infections, but it can cause birth defects, hearing loss, or vision problems.