Refractory Period Between Women Orgasms (Guide & Definition)

The refractory period is something that almost everyone who is sexually active experiences at one stage or another. It is also the reason why women can have multiple orgasms and men often can’t.

Unfortunately, as with most topics regarding women’s sexual health, there is relatively limited research on the topic of the refractory period between women’s orgasms.

What is known for sure though, is that the refractory period occurs directly after a woman has had an orgasm, and women experience a different refractory period than the one men experience.

If you are interested to know exactly what a refractory period is, and how you can possibly shorten yours, then you are in the right place. Allow us to enlighten you on the topic of refractory periods between women’s orgasms.

What this article covers:

What Is Meant By “Refractory Period”?
How to Shorten Your Refractory Period

What Is Meant By “Refractory Period”?

The phrase “refractory period”, when alluding to women and sexual health, refers to the period of time that occurs between when a woman has just finished climaxing, and before she is ready to be sexually aroused again, or have another female orgasm.

This period is where your muscles have time to relax post-orgasm. Your blood pressure and heart rate will return to normal.

Women are not sexually responsive during this time, but they will be once the refractory period is over. The refractory period is basically what allows multiple orgasms in women.

What Is The Refractory Period Between Women’s Orgasms?

The refractory period can be a physiological or physical response or a combination of the two.

For women, it is mostly a psychological response. This means that they do not want to have sex right away again. They are happy and satisfied, and their bodies need time to recover after the orgasm they just experienced.

Often, women get tired after orgasm, as it is a very physical experience, and their minds and bodies seem to shut down to rest.

In some instances, the refractory period can be a physical response, too. If the clitoris is overstimulated, which can often occur if it has been stimulated to cause the orgasm, then it becomes very sensitive. It often doesn’t like any stimulation immediately after orgasm and needs time to recover.

This is only the case in certain instances, though. If the clitoris wasn’t stimulated to cause the orgasm (which is quite rare), then this obviously won’t be a factor.

On another note, let’s also discuss the refractory time between women’s orgasms and not just the response the women have.

The refractory period between women’s orgasms does not have a set time or length. There are also a few things that influence a woman’s refractory period that cannot be easily changed.

These things include age, libido, overall health, and one’s diet. Older women normally experience an extended refractory period.

As you get older, you, unfortunately, start to experience a decline in sexual function. This means that it takes longer to become physically and psychologically aroused again. Someone who is considered to live a more healthy lifestyle will also most likely have a shorter refractory period.

But, a women’s refractory period usually lasts anywhere from a few seconds up to a few minutes. But, more often than not, it is the former.

It is also important to note that the refractory period that a single woman experiences may be different each time. Just like there is a variation in how long a female orgasm lasts and how long it takes a woman to orgasm, there is also variation in one woman’s refractory period.

So, it is likely that your refractory period will never be the exact same length of time.

Is the Refractory Period Different for Males and Females?

Yes, it is, in quite a few ways, too.

Firstly, as we mentioned earlier, a male’s refractory period is usually due to a physical and psychological response.

After a man has reached climax and ejaculated, he physically cannot have another erection again until his refractory period is over. This is different from a female. While a female may not want to have sex or orgasm again straight away, if they were stimulated in the right way, they might be able to. A male is not able to.

Men also have a psychological response in that they are very put off by the thought of having sex after they have orgasmed and ejaculated.

Additionally, studies have shown that the hormones called somatostatin, prostaglandins, and procaine are released. This causes a man’s mind and body to become relaxed, and not want to have sex again. This does not happen after a woman has reached orgasm.

This is partially why it is easy for her to get going again after her first orgasm.

Also, just like women can orgasm without cumming, men can too; although it is very rare. But it is recorded that if a man has an orgasm, but does not ejaculate, then their refractory period is exceptionally short.

But, as we mentioned, this is a very rare scenario, and you will not hear of this happening often.

A male’s refractory period is much longer than a woman’s. As you now know, a woman’s refractory period can last a few seconds to a few minutes, and sometimes it is even non-existent. A male’s refractory period, on the other hand, can be anywhere from a few minutes up to 24 hours.

But, usually, for younger men, the refractory period lasts around 15 minutes. As they get older it starts becoming a few hours long.

How to Shorten Your Refractory Period

Eat Healthy, Nutrient Dense Foods

Improving your diet and making sure that you are eating lots of fruit and vegetables, and nourishing whole foods, is one way to shorten your refractory period.

Not only is this good for heart health, which in itself can help to shorten your refractory period, but it also supplies your body with energy and stamina.

If you are constantly feeling tired and lethargic, then your refractory period is going to be exceptionally long.

Fix your diet to help you shorten it, and improve your overall health.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is a great way to shorten your refractory period. Exercise helps to improve blood flow, which plays a big role in orgasms and sexual arousal.

It also helps to regulate your hormones (another big factor when it comes to orgasm and arousal), and it helps to give you the stamina and energy to keep on going and get going again quickly.

Improve Your Overall Health

We have already touched on improving your diet and exercise, but health consists of so much more than just that.

In addition to these two things, you can also try to stop smoking, and limit any excessive alcohol consumption.

Additionally, you should also try to improve your sleep quality and duration and try to handle any stress you may be dealing with.

All of this will help to shorten your refractory period quite substantially.

So, in essence, just like there are health benefits of an orgasm for women, it also benefits your orgasms if you are healthy.

Increase Your Libido

For some people, this isn’t always possible, especially if they have sexual dysfunctions. But, if you sense that you have a low libido, and you are able to increase it, then this is a great way to decrease your refractory period.

If you have a higher libido, you will be more easily aroused again, and it will shorten your refractory period.

Things that can be done to try and increase your libido include exercising more frequently, eating a healthier diet, getting more sleep, managing stress, refraining from smoking, and improving the quality of your relationship.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

This tip links to improving your overall health, but some people might not always consider that weight can play a role in the length of their refractory period.

If you are a healthy weight, it is important that you maintain this to have a short refractory period. If you are overweight, losing weight can help to shorten your refractory period.

Enhance Your Sex Life

A dull sex life can lead to a longer refractory period. If you are not being aroused and stimulated properly, you are not going to want to get going again quickly.

In order to shorten your refractory period, you also need to remain aroused for a longer period of time.

There are a few different thongs that you can do to spice up your sex life and make it more exciting. We would recommend lengthening and including more foreplay in the experience. This is something that is especially helpful for women and can keep you aroused for a much longer period of time.

Other things that you can do is try new sex positions, use different sex toys, or try your hand at bringing each other’s fantasies alive.

All of these things will help to make sex a bit more exciting for you and your partner, and can very easily help to shorten your refractory period.

Conclusion

Refractory periods play a large role in a woman’s sexual experience. If you have any idea what a female orgasm feels like, you will understand why she wants to experience it over and over again.

Understanding a woman’s refractory period, and learning how to shorten it, can really enhance the sexual pleasure that you provide her.

It is a great tool to use to your advantage, and should not be overlooked.

Have you enjoyed this piece? Then consider checking other guides:

Refractory Period Between Women Orgasms

What Is Meant By “Refractory Period”?

What Is The Refractory Period Between Women’s Orgasms?

Is the Refractory Period Different for Males and Females?