The refractory period refers to a span of time in the sexual response cycle that occurs after orgasm or ejaculation, during which a person won’t respond (physiologically or psychologically) to sexual stimulation and is incapable of orgasming. During this time, blood pressure and heart rate decrease, the brain releases hormones, like prolactin or oxytocin, and dopamine levels lower to promote rest and recovery. All people, regardless of gender, experience a refractory period, lasting from a few seconds up to 24 hours. 

The terms “absolute refractory period” and “relative refractory period” are sometimes confused with the refractory period in human sexuality. These terms describe the action potential of muscle cells or neurons in the brain and are unrelated to the refractory period of sexual arousal after orgasm. 

Various factors can affect the length of the refractory period:

1. __Libido and arousal level__. If you have a high libido or feel heightened arousal during a particular sexual encounter, you may experience a shorter refractory period, allowing you to orgasm much sooner after a previous orgasm.
2. __Sexual function__. Healthy sexual function can often help overcome your refractoriness quicker. In contrast, if you experience sexual dysfunction (like erectile dysfunction or difficulties producing lubrication), you’re more likely to have a difficult time orgasming soon after a previous climax, and your body may need to wait longer before becoming aroused again. 
3. __Overall health__. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise are more likely to have shorter refractory periods than those who consistently eat unhealthy foods or don’t exercise regularly. 
4. __Age__. In general, younger individuals have shorter refractory periods than older individuals. By age 40, many people experience changes in their libido, hormone levels, and sexual function that can extend their refractory period. 
5. __Genitalia__. As a general rule, the male refractory period is longer than the female refractory period. The average range for men is between a few minutes and two hours before they can ejaculate again; for women, it’s between a few seconds and a few minutes before they can achieve another climax. 
6. __Type of sexual experience__. Research shows that the type of sexual experience a person engages in can affect the length of their recovery time. If you engage in solo [masturbation](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/female-masturbation-explained), your refractory period may only be a few seconds, whereas your refractory period may be longer if you engage in partnered sexual intercourse. 

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
After climaxing or ejaculating, some people experience a period of sexual satisfaction called the refractory period. They may not feel the desire nor the physical capability of orgasming again, preferring to rest and recover after the intense sexual activity. Learn more about the sexual response cycle and the factors that influence its length.

After climaxing or ejaculating, some people experience a period of sexual satisfaction called the refractory period. They may not feel the desire nor the physical capability of orgasming again, preferring to rest and recover after the intense sexual activity. Learn more about the sexual response cycle and the factors that influence its length.


Refractory Period: 6 Factors That Affect the Refractory Period

The refractory period refers to a span of time in the sexual response cycle that occurs after orgasm or ejaculation, during which a person won’t respond (physiologically or psychologically) to sexual stimulation and is incapable of orgasming. During this time, blood pressure and heart rate decrease, the brain releases hormones, like prolactin or oxytocin, and dopamine levels lower to promote rest and recovery. All people, regardless of gender, experience a refractory period, lasting from a few seconds up to 24 hours. The terms “absolute refractory period” and “relative refractory period” are sometimes confused with the refractory period in human sexuality. These terms describe the action potential of muscle cells or neurons in the brain and are unrelated to the refractory period of sexual arousal after orgasm.

What Is the Refractory Period?

Various factors can affect the length of the refractory period:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Libido and arousal level. If you have a high libido or feel heightened arousal during a particular sexual encounter, you may experience a shorter refractory period, allowing you to orgasm much sooner after a previous orgasm. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Sexual function. Healthy sexual function can often help overcome your refractoriness quicker. In contrast, if you experience sexual dysfunction (like erectile dysfunction or difficulties producing lubrication), you’re more likely to have a difficult time orgasming soon after a previous climax, and your body may need to wait longer before becoming aroused again. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Overall health. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise are more likely to have shorter refractory periods than those who consistently eat unhealthy foods or don’t exercise regularly. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Age. In general, younger individuals have shorter refractory periods than older individuals. By age 40, many people experience changes in their libido, hormone levels, and sexual function that can extend their refractory period. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Genitalia. As a general rule, the male refractory period is longer than the female refractory period. The average range for men is between a few minutes and two hours before they can ejaculate again; for women, it’s between a few seconds and a few minutes before they can achieve another climax. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Type of sexual experience. Research shows that the type of sexual experience a person engages in can affect the length of their recovery time. If you engage in solo <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/female-masturbation-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/female-masturbation-explained","linkCopy":"masturbation","category":null}'>masturbation</a>, your refractory period may only be a few seconds, whereas your refractory period may be longer if you engage in partnered sexual intercourse. </li></ol>

6 Factors That Affect the Length of a Refractory Period

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

After climaxing or ejaculating, some people experience a period of sexual satisfaction called the refractory period. They may not feel the desire nor the physical capability of orgasming again, preferring to rest and recover after the intense sexual activity. Learn more about the sexual response cycle and the factors that influence its length.