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.
QUESTION
Testosterone is a chemical found only in men. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Jiang M, Xin J, Zou Q, Shen JW. A research on the relationship between ejaculation and serum testosterone level in men. J Zhejiang Univ Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr;4(2):236-240.
Top How Long Does a Guy Have to Wait for Round 2 Related Articles
48 Reasons Why People Have Sex
Since ancient times, the reasons people have sex have been assumed to be few and simple. However, several proposed theories suggest reasons to perform the carnal act may be larger in number and psychologically complex.
7 Sex Mistakes Men Make
Men and women experience sex differently. Sex mistakes men make include a lack of emotional intimacy, not factoring in their partner's needs, keeping things routine, premature ejaculation and other factors.
Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect a Man Sexually?
An enlarged prostate can cause sexual problems in men. Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems, may occur in men with noncancerous enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Health and Sex: Exercises for Better Sex
Want to get more out of your time between the sheets? Add these exercises from this WebMD slide show to your workout routine. They're good for both men and women.
Is It Normal to Have Sex Every Day?
Sex is known to be a proven stressbuster that elevates your mood instantly, and yes, it is completely normal to have sex every day. There are phases in life when you have sex more frequently.Does sex really help you lose weight? While it’s not the most effective form of exercise for weight loss, it can burn calories and work for certain muscle groups.
Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland)
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Signs and symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficulty urinating; fever; chills; body aches; blood in the urine; pain in the rectum, groin, abdomen, or low back; and painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Causes of prostatitis include STDs, bacteria from urinary tract infections, or E. coli. Treatment for prostatitis depends on if it is a bacterial infection or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland.
Sex & Love Quiz
Relationships, sex, and love! Could it be that what motivates physical attraction in us may be all in our minds? Take the Sex & Love Quiz to challenge yourself on healthy human sexuality!
Sex-Drive Killers
Noticing a lack of intimacy with your partner? Here we explore how stress, lack of sleep, weight gain, depression and low T can cause low sex drive in men and women.
Sexual Problems in Men
Male sexual dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological problems. Common sexual problems in men include erectile dysfunction (impotence or ED), premature ejaculation, and loss of libido. Treatment for sexual dysfunction in men may involve medication, hormone therapy, psychological therapy, and the use of mechanical aids.
Sexual Health
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Benefits of Sex
How would you like a stronger immune system or better sleep? Action between the sheets can help you get all of this and more. Read on to discover the surprising health benefits of sex.
Sexual Health: Common Sex Injuries and Other Hazards
Sex is supposed to be pleasurable, but make the wrong moves in the bedroom, and it can hurt.What Happens to Your Bodies During Sex?
While engaging in sex or during masturbation, your body undergoes physical and emotional changes known as the sexual response cycle. You need to know the body’s response toward each phase of the cycle to enhance the relationship or identify the cause of sexual dysfunction.