The Refractory Period: What To Know, And Can You Shorten It?

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat is the refractory period, and can you reduce it?

Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on April 16, 2025

What happens
Males
Females
Changes over time
Other factors
Reduction
Summary

The refractory period refers to the time after having an orgasm during which a person is not sexually responsive. It can last from a few minutes to more than a day. Strategies to improve cardiovascular health may help reduce this time.

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

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

This article will explore the refractory period and explain what might help reduce it.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

What happens in the refractory period?

A couple kissing. — Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images

The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) defines the resolution stage of sex in which a person feels satisfied, usually following orgasm and, in the case of males, ejaculation.

The refractory period occurs after the resolution stage.

Physiological refractory period

During the refractory period, a male typically cannot maintain an erection. This type of response is a physiological refractory period, meaning individuals are physically unable to have sex again.

According to the ISSM, most females can have multiple orgasms, though only about 15% actually do. The ability to have multiple orgasms suggests females do not usually experience a physiological refractory period.

A female’s genitals may also remain lubricated after sexual activity even if they no longer feel aroused.

Psychological refractory period

People of all sexes can experience a psychological refractory period in which they do not want to have sex again. They may feel satisfied and prefer to avoid immediate sexual contact. A person may also feel tired during this time.

Refractory period for males

During the refractory period, a male is unable to maintain an erection or ejaculate again. This physiological response usually accompanies a psychological refractory period, during which they feel uninterested in sex.

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

Researchers do not fully understand what causes the refractory period or why its duration varies so much from person to person. Additionally, not all males have a refractory period.

Refractory period for females

Physically, most females can have intercourse again shortly after orgasm and do not have the physically limiting changes that many males do.

However, intercourse can cause hypersensitivity of the clitoris and vulva, which may make stimulation uncomfortable, and people may not be psychologically ready for sex immediately after orgasm.

Changes with age

Sexual function can change with age. People may need longer to get both physically and psychologically aroused as they grow older. They may also need longer to recover from sex, which may involve an extended refractory period.

As a person ages, physical changes to the genitals can make sexual activity less desirable. The vagina can become shorter and more narrow, and the vaginal walls can become thinner. It can also take longer for the vagina to lubricate itself naturally. It can also be more challenging to achieve and maintain an erection, or the erection is not as hard as it once was.

However, others find that they have a more satisfactory sex life as they get older. A person may have fewer distractions and an improved ability to communicate their sexual wants and needs.

Factors affecting the refractory period

Many factors can influence the length of the refractory period, including:

a person’s overall health
relationship quality
quality and frequency of sex

Dopamine plays a key role during sex. A 2019 research review suggests dopamine levels may influence whether a male can maintain an erection. However, the review also notes that excess dopamine could cause sexual health problems.

Some activities that improve overall health, such as exercise, may help regulate dopamine levels. Other pleasurable activities, such as doing something new, having an enjoyable conversation, or mastering a new challenge, may also boost this hormone.

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

Reducing the refractory period

The internet offers plenty of advice on shortening the refractory period. While anecdotal strategies may work for some people, there is usually little research to prove they work.

The same methods that improve overall health may boost sexual health. Cardiovascular health, in particular, has links to sexual health.

A person who wants to improve their overall well-being and sexual function can try:

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

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

So far, no research proves that PFMT will shorten the refractory period. However, it may improve sexual function more generally.

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

Viagra and the refractory period

Some older research suggests that erectile dysfunction medication might shorten the refractory period for males.

A small, placebo-controlled trial from 2003 found that 40% of participants reported a significant reduction in the refractory period when they used sildenafil (Viagra). Just 13.3% of placebo users experienced a similar reduction.

However, another study from 2005 found that Viagra did not shorten the refractory period.

Sexual health resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on sexual health.

Summary

The refractory period varies from person to person. While this period tends to increase with age, other factors may influence the length of time after intercourse during which a person cannot have sex again, such as their cardiovascular health.

People can try techniques such as pelvic floor muscle training to shorten the refractory period, but it is unclear if these can help. A doctor or therapist specializing in sexual health may suggest other strategies to improve overall sexual function.

Men's Health
Sexual Health / STDs
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Calabrò RS, et al. (2019). Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: A neglected or unknown issue? https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/brb3.1389
Ekmekçioğlu O, et al. (2005). Effects of sildenafil citrate on ejaculation latency, detumescence time, and refractory period: Placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover laboratory setting study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15708051/
Jorge CH, et al. (2024). Pelvic floor muscle training as treatment for female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38191016/
Marques A, et al. (2021). Bidirectional association between physical activity and dopamine across adulthood: A systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8301978/
Mondaini N, et al. (2003). Sildenafil does not improve sexual function in men without erectile dysfunction but does reduce the postorgasmic refractory time. https://www.nature.com/articles/3901005
Sex and heart conditions. (2023). https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/sex-and-heart-conditions
Sexuality and intimacy in older adults. (2022). https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality/sexuality-and-intimacy-older-adults
What are multiple orgasms? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-are-multiple-orgasms-how-common-are-they/
What is the refractory period? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-the-refractory-period/

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on April 16, 2025

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