Condoms

Condoms are the only contraceptive which also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

Free condoms are available from all GP practices and GP surgeries in Orkney.

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You can get FREE condoms in Orkney from:

• Nordhaven Clinic - The Balfour, Kirkwall (stocks available in the toilets, so no need to ask!)
• Condoms by Post (just put in your order and get it delivered to your door)
• All GP Surgeries in Orkney
• Youth Cafe, Kirkwall
• Accident & Emergency Department, The Balfour
• Online from Freedoms Shop -  delivered direct to your door!

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They are also available to buy widely from shops

For more detailed information, please visit: Condoms - Male, Condoms - Female or Freedoms Shop

Condoms by Post

Condoms are the only contraceptive which also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

Free condoms are available from all GP practices and GP surgeries in Orkney.

We understand that some people find it difficult to attend these places for a variety of reasons so NHS Orkney has decided to launch a pilot scheme to provide free condoms by post.

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1. Clients can access the service by:

• Filling in the Condoms by Post Registration Form and emailing it to us at ork.nordhavenclinic@nhs.scot 
• Telephoning the Nordhaven Clinic on 888917
• Coming to the Nordhaven Clinic at The Balfour in Kirkwall

2. Clients must be 16 years or older. Clients under 16 can still access free condoms at their GP surgeries and at the clinic.
3. We will supply condoms to Orkney Residents and post to Orkney Addresses only.
4. Lubricant is not recommended for vaginal sex.
5. Lubricant is strongly recommended for anal sex as this reduces the chances of the condom slipping or breaking.
6. Regular condoms are no more likely than thicker condoms to break or slip off during anal sex. Some people feel safer using thicker (‘Extra' or ‘Strong') condoms for anal sex, but there is no proof that they are any safer than regular condoms.
7. Latex free condoms are only available for clients with a proven latex allergy
8. A mix of condom types and sizes are available. We would recommend that new clients order a starter pack first. This contains 10 assorted condoms and 2 packs of lubricant.
9. All other orders will consist of 20 condoms.
10. There are no restrictions on how frequently you order condoms.
11. All orders are supplied on anonymous packaging.

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Products Available

Registration Form

If you choose email ordering, your email address will be stored to save you from having to provide your full details for every order.   We may confirm receipt and advise when orders are on route via email.  Your email address will not be used for the communication of personal data.

Your data is held for use by the Condoms by Post Service only.  We will not contact you for any other reason but we may from time to time include some health promotion material in your order or invite you to provide anonymous feedback on the service.

How to use a condom

• When the penis is hard, and before there's any genital-to-genital contact, carefully take the condom out of the packet and check the expiry date. Be careful not to tear the condom.
• If the penis has a foreskin, gently roll it back before putting on the condom.
• Before you put the condom on the penis, unroll the condom a little bit to check that it’s the right way round and will unroll properly.
• Squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air, then place it over the tip of the penis. If air is inside the condom the air pressure will make it more likely to break.
• Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. If it won’t roll down, it’s the wrong way round. Throw this condom away because there could be pre cum or cum on the tip of it, and start again with a new one. Rolling all the way down ensures it doesn't come off easily and reduces STI infection such as genital warts.
• If you’re using lubricant, make sure that it’s water-based and you are putting it on the condom itself not before you put on the condom.
• Check during sex that the condom hasn’t slipped off (you should be able to feel it with your fingers at the base of the penis).
• After sex, withdraw carefully while the penis is still hard. Hold the base of the condom to stop it coming off and to prevent any sperm from leaking.
• Wrap the condom in a tissue and put in the bin. Don't put it down the toilet because this can cause blockages.

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Looking after your condoms and lube

• Keep your condoms away from heat, bright lights or direct sunshine.
• If you carry condoms around with you in your trouser pockets, it's worth checking regularly that the packaging is intact otherwise your condom can dry out and is more likely to tear.
• Use by Date – it’s there for a reason, check your supplies.

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Why condoms fail and what you can do to make sure that condoms work for you

• Lack of practice: If you've not had much experience using condoms then they're more likely to fail. If you hardly ever use them, then practice putting one on yourself.
• Unrolling the condom before putting it on: The condom is designed to roll down the length of the penis. If you unroll it beforehand and try to pull it on, it's more likely to be weakened and to tear
• Some creams and sprays sold as anal relaxants, to help make anal sex easier, also contain oils so they may damage condoms.
• If you put lubricant on your penis before putting the condom on then there's a good chance that the condom will slip off.
• Having sex for more than 30 minutes makes the condom more likely to burst – take a break and change the condom
• The wrong size condom: Contrary to popular rumour, one size does not fit all. Fortunately condoms come in a range of shapes and sizes, so find one that suits you best. Condoms for bigger penis are usually called 'extra large' and condoms for the smaller penis are usually called 'trim' or 'snug'.

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For more information please visit:  Freedoms Shop

Has your condom burst?

If a condom bursts and you or your partner is concerned about pregnancy you can discuss emergency contraception with a health professional. You and your partner should also be tested for sexually transmitted infections.

Condoms are the only type of contraception that can help prevent both pregnancy and Sexually transmitted infections, so it's important to use and store them properly.

Condoms can sometimes rip or tear, but using and storing them properly can help reduce this risk. Check the expiration date on the condom. The material used to make condoms can weaken over time, so don't use one that has expired.

Keep condoms away from heat and light, which can dry them out, and don't use oils or lotions with a condom. Carrying a condom in your wallet, where it may be folded or sat on, can also wear down the material and cause the condom to break. Also, don't open a condom with anything sharp, like scissors or teeth.