refractory period
"Refractory Period: A temporary period of psychophysiologic
erectile incompetence immediately following (natural) ejaculation
during which a male cannot be sexually aroused. The duration of the
refractory period may be minimal in teen years and longer in later
years."
- A Descriptive Dictionary & Atlas of Sexology (1995),
Francoeur, Perper, Scherzer
(emphasis added)
The refractory period
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/jan/25/yehey/life/20050125lif1.html
The refractory period—the recovery phase and interval between
ejaculation and the ability to obtain another erection—varies
widely among men in every stage in life. As one advances in years,
a longer refractory period is manifested. During the refractory
period, no amount of sexual stimulation can bring about an
erection.
What causes the refractory period? Once the orgasm is complete, the
valves that maintained the erection are opened and the penis is
drained of blood so that within a space of a few minutes it returns
to its flaccid state. This downtime between orgasms is crucial, as
the body must invest a lot of essence and energy to fully replenish
semen supplies and reestablish proper hormone balance after
ejaculation. An increased infusion of the hormone oxytocin during
ejaculation is believed to be chiefly responsible for the
refractory period and the amount of oxytocin in the system may
affect the length of each refractory period.
“There’s a very short refractory period when one’s younger,” Dr.
Gatchalian explained. The natural ejaculation frequency—a rhythmic
cycle of the endocrine function but one that is adjustable with
dietary intake and exercise—likewise changes over time. From the
medical point of 10, less robust or emaciated males ought to
ejaculate no more.
Then again, the problem of sexual functioning among 40- to
50-year-old males is usually not a hormonal matter, but may be
largely due to the fact that the couple has not changed their
lovemaking patterns or their level of knowledge about the nature of
sexuality. Though the physiologic changes are minimal, they must be
integrated into the couple’s sexuality. To help deal with the
sexual changes that happen to men at midlife, Dr. Gatchalian
suggests regular health checkups and screenings. Reducing stress
and worrying, and embracing a sexuality appropriate to the second
half of life—a time when man’s sexuality expands to include more
emphasis on spirituality, friendship, love and intimacy —may also
help a great deal.
