The refractory period is the span of time after having an orgasm during which a person is non sexually responsive. The refractory period can have both mental and physiological furnishings.

During the refractory period, a person might lose interest in sex, or they might not be able to have sexual activity. It may not be possible for a person to get an erection, ejaculate, or orgasm.

Scientists have thoroughly documented the refractory period in males. In females, the refractory period is more controversial.

two men lying in bed and being affectionate, but not having sex because they are currently in the refractory period Share on Pinterest
During the refractory period, a person may temporarily lose interest in sex.

Doctors define the resolution phase of sex as when a person feels satisfied, normally following orgasm or, in the instance of males, ejaculation.

The refractory flow occurs after the resolution stage.

During the refractory menstruum, a male cannot get an erection. This type of response is a physiological refractory menstruation, significant a person is physically unable to have sex again.

Unlike males, many females tin can have multiple orgasms, suggesting they do not usually experience a physiological refractory period. Additionally, a female's genitals may remain lubricated after sex activity even if she no longer feels aroused, making sexual intercourse easier.

However, both males and females tin experience a psychological refractory period.

This psychological type happens when a person does not desire to have sex activity once again. They may feel satisfied and prefer to avoid firsthand sexual contact. Some people also feel tired during this period.

Brain imaging studies suggest that the cycle of a sexual response follows a similar design to other pleasurable activities. It begins with intensifying desire, culminates in satisfying that desire, and concludes with decreased desire.

During the refractory flow, a male is unable to become an erection or ejaculate again. This physiological response ordinarily accompanies a psychological refractory period, during which the person feels uninterested in sexual activity.

The length of the refractory menstruum varies profoundly from person to person, from a few minutes to 24 hours, or longer.

Researchers exercise not fully understand what causes the refractory flow or why it varies so much in elapsing from person to person. Additionally, not all males have a refractory menses.

An older 2002 study on a 25-year-old male who did not experience any refractory flow found that he did not secrete the hormone prolactin later ejaculating, as most males do.

This finding suggests that prolactin may play a function in determining whether a male tin have multiple orgasms. However, as this was a small study, and females also produce more prolactin after orgasm, researchers need to continue investigating.

Similarly, some males find that they can orgasm without ejaculating, allowing them to take multiple "dry" orgasms and no refractory period.

While some females lose interest in sex later on an orgasm, they are usually physically able to appoint in sexual practice again.

However, some women do report a physiological refractory period. One study from 2009 showed that subsequently orgasm, a female person's clitoris tin go too sensitive to continue sex. Out of 174 females, 96% reported this symptom, and many did not desire to have sex again as a result.

Most of the research into refractory periods to date has focused on males, so scientists know much less about the female response. Scientists will need to conduct more research to understand a greater diversity of perspectives.

Sexual role tends to decline with age. People may need longer to go both physically and psychologically aroused as they grow older. They may also need longer to recover from sex, which may hateful a more extended refractory period.

The refractory period a person has when they are young will also decide how it changes every bit they historic period. Someone with a long refractory menses as a teenager may find it continues to go longer over time.

Many factors tin influence the length of the refractory catamenia, including:

  • a person'south overall health
  • human relationship quality
  • quality of sex
  • frequency of sex

Dopamine plays a key office during sexual practice. A review of the research suggests that dopamine levels may influence whether a male can go an erection. However, the review also notes that too much dopamine could crusade sexual health issues too.

Some of the same activities that improve overall health, such as do, may help regulate dopamine levels.

Other pleasurable activities may also boost dopamine, such equally doing something new, enjoyable conversation, or mastering a new claiming.

Scientists do not completely understand the connection between dopamine levels and the refractory period.

The internet offers plenty of communication about how to shorten the refractory period. While message board strategies may work for some people, there is unremarkably little enquiry to prove they work.

The same strategies that meliorate overall health may heave sexual health. Cardiovascular health, in particular, correlates with sexual health.

A person who wants to better their overall wellbeing and sexual function can try:

  • doing cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running, or aerobics
  • maintaining a salubrious body weight
  • eating a nutrient-dumbo diet
  • treating or managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes

Some people try pelvic floor exercises to attempt and shorten the refractory period. People refer to these exercises as Kegels or pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT).

So far, no inquiry exists to evidence that PFMT will shorten the refractory period. However, it may improve sexual role more generally in males and females.

To try PFMT, a person should tense the muscles they use to urinate, hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat.

Some research has found that erectile dysfunction medication might shorten the refractory period for males.

A small, older 2003 placebo-controlled trial found that twoscore% of males participants reported a significant reduction in the refractory menses when they used sildenafil (Viagra). Merely thirteen.3% of placebo users experienced a like reduction.

Yet, another 2005 placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that Viagra did not shorten the refractory period.

The refractory flow varies from person to person. While the refractory period tends to increase with age, other factors may influence the time a person cannot have sexual activity again, such as their cardiovascular health.

People can try easy techniques, such every bit PFMT if they wish to shorten the refractory menses, but it is unclear if this tin can help. A md or therapist specializing in sexual wellness may propose other strategies to improve overall sexual function.