The male refractory period varies with some men ready for sexual stimulation within a few minutes, while others may require hours to days.
There is no definite duration a guy must wait for the second round of sexual intercourse following an orgasm. The duration, referred to as the refractory period, differs from person to person and depends on various factors including general health, age, diet, lifestyle, and libido.
Women need only wait a few seconds before the second round, with many even achieving multiple orgasms in one session. In comparison, the male refractory period varies post ejaculation, with some men ready after a few minutes and some men needing several hours to days. Age factor increases the refractory period, meaning older people typically need more time (as many as 24 hours) to get aroused for the next round of sexual stimulation.
Do masturbation and sexual intercourse refractory periods differ?
Men and women may have to wait a little longer for the second round of sexual intercourse as opposed to masturbation.
A 2006 review of three different studies that observed men and women masturbating or having sexual intercourse suggested that prolactin levels are over 400 percent higher right after sexual intercourse than after masturbation. Prolactin is a key hormone whose level increases in the refractory period.
Can a guy shorten his refractory period?
Yes, a guy can shorten his refractory period and sexual response cycle. This can be achieved by following measures that center around a few things, including:
- Sexual arousal techniques
- Improving sexual function
- Boosting overall health
3 tips to enhance sexual arousal
Tips to enhance sexual arousal and decrease the refractory period following ejaculation include:
- Decreasing the frequency of sex: Men can check if slowing down their frequency of sexual intercourse can help them decrease the time needed for a second round. For example, if the man has sex every day, he should instead try having sex on alternate days.
- Experimenting with positions: Trying a new position once in a while may provide some men with a different type of sexual arousal that could influence the time they get aroused for the next session.
- Experimenting with foreplay: Areas such as the ears, neck, nipples, lips, and testicles are more sensitive to touch than others. Playing with these areas by pulling or twisting them can heighten sexual stimulation and lead to a shorter refractory period.
2 tips to boost sexual function
Tips to boost sexual function and improve the refractory period following ejaculation include:
- Practicing Kegel exercises: Some men may benefit from Kegel exercises, which are designed to strengthen the pelvic muscles. This may offer men better control over their sexual response cycle.
- Skipping alcohol before sex: Alcohol can affect heart functions and sensations in the private parts, thus reducing the time needed for arousal. Drinking heavily regularly can result in decreased human sexuality in the long run.
Tips to improve overall health
Overall health plays a role in improving human sexuality. Being overweight, taking certain medication, or having medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, has a major effect on sexual performance. Hence, it becomes necessary to exercise for at least 20 minutes daily and eat a balanced diet with adequate nutrition.
It is important to seek medical help if there is a problem with getting or maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction (inability to get the penis erect) can be caused by medical conditions or psychological issues and needs to be treated for men looking to shorten their refractory periods.
