Depending on the individual, the refractory period can last for minutes to days.
A person’s psychological makeup also contributes to whether they desire sex or feel sexually satiated after orgasm.
It also explores if there are ways to shorten the refractory period and achieve multiple orgasms.
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The sex and gender terms used in cited material will be retained.
The term “refractory period” does not apply to just sex.
In this respect, the nonresponsive time following orgasm can be described as thephysiological refractory period.
Even beyond hormones, how you feel and behave can dictate whether arousal and orgasms are possible.
This might be referred to as thepsychological refractory period.
In males, oxytocin helps induce erections and ejaculation.
With ejaculation, the sudden surge of oxytocin stimulates the release of the “feel-good” hormoneserotonin.
During an orgasm, prolactin levels can surge in people of any sex.
Dopamine
Dopamineis another feel-good hormone that helps facilitate ejaculation.
This is especially true after an intense orgasm.
The duration of this effect can vary from one person to the next and often for no apparent reason.
This may account for why some males recover faster following orgasm while others take longer.
For some, the refractory period can last for days.
One explanation for this involves theseminal vesiclesthat produce and store semen.
After ejaculation, the pressure within the seminal vesicles quickly dissipates.
Further research is needed.
Can You Shorten the Refractory Period?
The refractory period is not a sexual dysfunction likeerectile dysfunctionorfemale hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
In males, the refractory period can last from minutes to days.
In females, the refractory period may be brief or not occur at all.
The refractory period in males is heavily influenced by hormones.
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