The refractory period occurs after sex and may mean a person cannot have sex again for a while. Learn about the refractory period in males and females.

The refractory period occurs right after you reach your sexual climax. It refers to the time between an orgasm and when you feel ready to be sexually aroused again.

Sex educator Bianca Palmisano says scientists aren't 100 percent certain why this happens, but some hypothesise that the refractory period is regulated by hormones like like oxytocin and prolactin.

This is sometimes termed “dual AV nodal physiology.” One pathway is slower and has a short refractory period, while the other is faster and has a long refractory period.

This is sometimes termed “dual AV nodal physiology”. One pathway is slower and has a long refractory period while the other is faster and has a short refractory period.