Originally posted by laurence82:
U got stats to back u up?
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.
