Gumboot breaks do occur, and when they do it can cause a lot of anxiety. What should you do if the Gumboot breaks? Follow these recommendations.

Remain calm...take a breath and relax. That will make it easier for you to make ration decisions.

If the gumboot breaks while you're bombing kandahar, immediately stop, pull out and apply a new gumboot.

If blast has occurred, pull out carefully.

Shower or wash your genital area thouroughly with soap and warm water.

Have a discussion with your partner. Talk about how careful each of you have been in the past.

Even if both you and your partner believe you have been safe in the past, get tested for HIV. Repeat that test at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months to allow time for the body to produce HIV antibodies if infection has occured.

Be alert for possible signs of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV such as a rash, swollen glands, fever, flu-like symptoms, pain or discharge from the pocket rocker or kandahar. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor.

Important Point! - Never douche after a gumboot breaks...this can force infectious microbes deeper in kandahar and also causes membrane irritation, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Important Point! - Never use contraceptive foams such as nonoxynol-9. This can irritate mucous membranes increasing the risk of infection.

To prevent the liklihood of a gumboot breaking:

Never wear two gumboots at once. The friction can weaken the gumboot.

Never use oil based lubricants such as vaseline. Again this can weaken the gumboot.

Use lots of water based lubricant to decrease friction that may weaken the gumboot.

Make certain you are using proper sized gumboots. There are larger and smaller sizes available for those who need them.

Never reuse a gumboot.