Refractory period - meaning and definition
Alsorecovery periodrefractory phaserecovery time after orgasm
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
The refractory period is the recovery time after orgasm during which a person is less responsive to sexual stimulation and, for people with a penis, usually cannot get another erection.
At a glance
- The refractory period is the recovery time after orgasm.
- It is most noticeable in people with a penis, who usually cannot get another erection during it.
- Its length varies from minutes to many hours and tends to increase with age.
- Many people with a vulva have little or no refractory period, though experiences differ.
- A longer refractory period with age is normal rather than a disorder.
In detail
The length of the refractory period varies from minutes to many hours and tends to increase with age. It is most noticeable in people with a penis and is linked to hormonal changes after ejaculation. Many people with a vulva have little or no refractory period, though individual experiences differ.
A longer refractory period is a normal part of ageing rather than a disorder. If changes in sexual function happen suddenly or cause worry, a doctor can check for underlying causes.
In a sentence
- He read that a longer refractory period is a normal part of getting older.
- The article compared how the refractory period differs between people.
Where the word comes from
From Latin refractarius, meaning stubborn or unresponsive. Refractory period is also used in physiology for the recovery time of nerves and muscles.
Not to be confused with
- Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection, not the normal pause after orgasm.
Common questions
How long does the refractory period last?
It varies widely, from minutes to many hours, and tends to get longer with age. There is no single normal length.
Should I worry if my refractory period has become longer?
A gradual increase with age is normal. If changes in sexual function happen suddenly or cause worry, a doctor can check for underlying causes.
Related terms
Sources
- MedlinePlusSexual Problems in Men
- Planned ParenthoodSex and Pleasure