The refractory period occurs right after you reach your sexual climax. It refers to the time between an orgasm and when you feel ready to be sexually aroused again. A peptide called somatostatin is also thought to reduce sexual arousal right after ejaculation. There are no hard numbers here. It varies widely from person to person based on a variety of factors, including overall health, libido, and diet. Average figures suggest that for females, mere seconds may pass before sexual arousal and orgasm is possible again.

Even thinking about sex might not seem very compelling. The refractory period ends when men re-enter the excitement or arousal phase. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.

In human sexuality , the refractory period is usually the recovery phase after orgasm during which it is physiologically impossible for a man to have additional orgasms. While the refractory period varies widely among individuals, ranging from minutes to days, [4] [5] [6] most men cannot achieve or maintain an erection during this time, and many perceive a psychological feeling of satisfaction and are temporarily uninterested in further sexual activity; the penis may be hypersensitive and further sexual stimulation may feel painful during this time frame. An increased infusion of the hormone oxytocin during ejaculation is believed to be chiefly responsible for the male refractory period, and the amount by which oxytocin is increased may affect the length of each refractory period.