Refractory phase (sexuality)

In human sexuality , the refractory phase or recovery phase refers to the period after an orgasm in which another is physiologically impossible. The duration varies greatly within and between people, depends on a large number of factors and therefore cannot be statistically described for methodological reasons. According to reports, it ranges from a few minutes to several days.

Blood samples taken automatically from men every 2 minutes for a total of 40 minutes before and after orgasm showed a rapid decrease in adrenaline and noradrenaline and an increase in oxytocin and prolactin after orgasm . Possible causal connections with the refractory phase are still unknown today (January 2015). Effects on different regions in the brain, spinal cord and genital organ are discussed .

In men , the refractory phase typically manifests itself as a pronounced phase of greatly reduced excitability and so-called post - coital fatigue . The erection can be inhibited or completely blocked during this time. The mentioned hormonal and neurochemical change immediately after orgasm is considered a general - but individually unknown - cause .

Individual evidence

1. ^ Daniel L Schacter, Daniel Todd Gilbert, Daniel M Wegner: Psychology: Study Guide. Paperback, 2nd Study Guide edition, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke GB 2010, ISBN 978-1-4292-4107-6 (Alibris ID: 12602776275), p. 336.
2. ↑ TH Krüger, P. Haake, D. Chereath et al .: Specificity of the neuroendocrine response to orgasm during sexual arousal in men. In: The Journal of endocrinology. (J Endocrinol) Vol. 177, No. 1, 2003, pp. 57-64, PMID 12697037 .
3. ↑ Klaus Golenhofen: basic textbook physiology. 4th, revised and updated edition, Elsevier / Urban & Fischer, Munich u. a. 2006, ISBN 3-437-42482-3 , p. 401 .

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