Condoms - Mobi Doctor

What Are Condoms and How Do They Work for Pregnancy and STI Prevention

This section explains how condoms act as a physical barrier to reduce the risk of pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections when used correctly.

With the correct use before every sexual encounter, male condoms are 98% effective. This means a total of 2 out of 100 women get pregnant in a year when male condoms are used as a contraceptive method.
Condoms can be obtained for free from contraception clinics and sexual health clinics.
Moisturisers, which are basically Oil-based products, lotions and Vaseline, can reduce effectiveness and cause damage to latex and polyisoprene condoms, but they do not affect polyurethane condoms.
All condoms can be safely lubricated with any water-based lubricant.
There have been occasions when condoms slip off during sex, so if that happens, you may need to get emergency contraception and a medical check-up for STIs.
Condoms should be stored in cool, dry places that are away from sharp objects and rough surfaces that could tear or wear them away.
Putting on a condom can be made another enjoyable part of sexual intercourse. It doesn’t have to be considered an interruption.
If you're sensitive or get adverse reactions from latex, there’s always the option of polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms.
Condoms are designed for single use, so a new one is to be used every time you have sex.
Condoms have expiration dates. Don't use expired condoms.
Condoms that have the BSI kite mark and the CE mark on the packet are highly recommended because they mean they’ve been tested to high safety standards.

Condom Types Materials and Key Differences

Condom Type	Material	Suitable For	Lubricant Compatibility	Important Notes
Latex	Natural rubber	Most users	Water based only	Avoid if latex allergy
Polyurethane	Plastic based	Latex allergy	Water or oil based	Thinner feel
Polyisoprene	Synthetic rubber	Latex sensitivity	Water based only	Flexible and soft
Textured or flavoured	Various	Enhanced pleasure	Water based	Multiple designs
With spermicide	Latex or plastic	Not recommended	Water based	May increase irritation

How to Use Condoms Safely and Correctly for Maximum Effectiveness

This section outlines the correct steps for condom use to help prevent breakage, slippage, and reduced effectiveness during sex.

Remove the condom from its packet, being careful not to puncture or tear it with jewellery or nails. Never open the packet with your teeth.
Position the condom over the tip of the erect male genitalia (penis).
If you notice a tear at the tip of the condom, use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the air out of it.
Unfold the condom by rolling it down gently to the base of the penis.
If there is difficulty rolling the condom down, you may be holding it the wrong way round. If this happens, you may already have sperm on it so throw it away and repeat the process with a new packet.
After sex, withdraw the penis while it's still erect while holding on to the condom at the base of the penis while you do this.
Carefully remove the condom from the penis to prevent spilling any semen.
Dispose of the condom in a bin (not down the toilet).
Be certain the penis does not touch your partner's genital area again.
If you decide to have sex again, use a new condom.

Condoms with Spermicide and Sexual Health Risks

This section reviews spermicidal condoms, including why they may increase irritation and are not routinely recommended for STI prevention.

Some condoms come with chemicals called spermicides. Avoid using this type of condom. Spermicide should also not be used as a lubricant, as it doesn't protect against STIs and might increase your risk of getting infected.

Who Can Safely Use Condoms for Contraception and STI Protection

This section explains who can generally use condoms safely and highlights situations where alternative contraceptive options may be considered.

Condoms can be safely used by most people, but they might not be the suitable method of contraception for everyone because:

Some people are allergic to latex condoms. If this is a problem, the use of polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Some men who have difficulty keeping an erection may find it hard to use condoms because the penis must be erect during use to prevent semen from leaking or the condom slipping off.

Benefits of Condoms for Safe Sex and Infection Prevention

This section summarises the main advantages of condoms, including accessibility, ease of use, and protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

When used correctly and consistently, they are an easy and reliable method of preventing pregnancy.
It helps to protect both sexual partners from infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.
You only need to put it on when you want to have sex. It does not need prior or long-term preparation and is extremely suitable for unplanned sex.
Mostly, there are no medical side effects from the use of condoms.
They are easy to obtain, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours.

Possible Condom Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

This section discusses potential side effects of condom use, including reduced sensation, irritation, and allergic reactions to latex or other materials.

Some sexual partners find that using condoms reduces the enjoyment they find in sex. If this is the case with you, try to make using a condom part of foreplay so it wouldn’t be an interruption.
Condoms are usually very strong, but splitting or tearing may occur if not used properly. If this is the case, practice putting them on until you get used to them.
Some people are allergic to latex, plastic and/or spermicides, so you should get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
To avoid spillage when using a condom, the man will need to pull out his penis after he has ejaculated before it goes soft. This has to be done quickly so the condom would still be firmly in place for safe removal.

What to Do If a Condom Breaks or Slips Off

This section explains possible reasons for condom failure and outlines when emergency contraception or STI testing may be appropriate.

The male genital touched the area around the vagina before a condom was worn
The condom has a tear, splits or comes off during sex
The condom was punctured by sharp fingernails or jewellery
An oil-based lubricant such as lotion, baby oil or petroleum jelly was used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, which damaged the condom
You are on a medication for conditions such as creams, pessaries or suppositories which might damage latex and polyisoprene condoms and reduce their effectiveness.

If you think sperm has somehow slipped into the vagina, you may need emergency contraception. You should consider the use of emergency contraception for up to five days after unprotected sex.

You should also undergo an STI test, which is available at:

Sexual health clinics
Contraception clinics
Young person's clinics

You can also adopt the use of other forms of contraception such as the contraceptive pill or implant for extra protection against pregnancy although those other forms of contraception won’t protect you against STIs if the condom splits.

Where to Get Condoms and How to Choose Safe Products

This section provides guidance on where condoms can be obtained and how to identify products that meet recognised safety and quality standards.

Condoms can be obtained for free, even if you're under 16, from:

Contraception clinics
Sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
Some GP surgeries
Some young people's services

You can also purchase condoms from:

Pharmacies
Supermarkets
Online vendors
Mail-order catalogues
Vending machines in some public toilets
Some petrol stations

Condoms that carry the BSI kite mark and the European CE mark should be prioritised because those marks mean they have been tested to the required safety standards.

Condom Use and Protection FAQs

When used correctly every time during sex, condoms are highly effective at reducing the risk of pregnancy. Incorrect use, breakage, slipping, or not using condoms throughout intercourse can reduce protection and increase the chance of pregnancy.

Condoms help reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and trichomoniasis. Protection is most effective when condoms are used consistently and correctly from start to finish during sexual activity.

Condoms can sometimes break because of incorrect size, expired products, sharp fingernails, inadequate lubrication, or oil-based lubricants damaging latex. Using condoms carefully and checking expiry dates may help reduce the risk of tearing or slipping.

If a condom breaks, emergency contraception and STI testing may sometimes be necessary depending on the situation. Washing the genital area gently, avoiding further unprotected sex, and seeking medical advice quickly can help reduce the risk of pregnancy or infection.

Some people experience irritation or allergic reactions to latex condoms, causing itching, redness, burning, swelling, or discomfort after sex. Latex-free condoms made from materials such as polyurethane or polyisoprene may be suitable alternatives for people with latex sensitivity.

Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are usually safe with latex condoms. Oil-based products such as petroleum jelly, massage oils, or some lotions can weaken latex and increase the risk of condom breakage during sex.

Urgent medical advice is important after unprotected sex if there is risk of pregnancy, STI exposure, sexual assault, or symptoms such as discharge, pelvic pain, genital sores, fever, or burning during urination. Emergency contraception works best when taken as soon as possible.

Correct condom use significantly reduces the risk of spreading bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Regular STI testing remains important, especially after new sexual partners or if symptoms such as discharge, pelvic pain, or genital irritation develop.

Mobi Doctor offers same-day online consultations for contraception and sexual health concerns across Malta and Europe. Licensed EU doctors can discuss condom use, STI prevention, emergency contraception, birth control options, and recommend suitable treatment or testing where clinically appropriate.

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