The time it takes a man to be ready for a second round of sex is heavily dependent on his age, with recovery ranging from a few minutes in the teenage years to a full day or longer for those in their seventies, sexual health experts have said.
Age-related recovery times
Dr Charlotte Todd, speaking on behalf of Lovehoney Health’s digital health provider Evaro, told Metro that based on physiological studies, men in their teens or early twenties can typically achieve another erection within minutes of climaxing. By the late twenties to early thirties, that window can stretch to up to half an hour. Once a man reaches his forties, it is not unusual for the refractory period — the recovery time after orgasm before another erection is possible — to last several hours, and by the fifties and sixties a wait of several hours is common. In the seventies, said Dr Todd, it can take “a day or longer”.
However, she stressed that there is no medically defined “normal” refractory period and that healthy men may recover much sooner or much later than these ranges. Research cited by the experts adds further granularity: some studies suggest recovery can take as little as 15 minutes in an 18-year-old, while one urologist has proposed a rough formula of dividing age by ten and squaring the result to estimate recovery hours — meaning a 60-year-old might need 36 hours. “Age is the biggest factor,” said Dr Todd. “As men get older, natural changes to the blood vessels, nerves and hormone levels mean that recovery after ejaculation generally takes longer. But this is just a normal part of ageing.”
The refractory period itself is a normal physiological response, not a sign of dysfunction. Psychosexual nurse specialist Lorraine Grover, who works with Oxford Online Pharmacy, explained that during this phase the body releases hormones such as prolactin and serotonin, which suppress arousal and block the production of dopamine — the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and the ability to get an erection. Other hormones, including oxytocin, are also released, contributing to feelings of relaxation and satiety. Testosterone levels, while not directly causing the refractory period, play a key role in overall sexual desire and function; a natural decline with age can indirectly lengthen recovery time.
Other factors that affect recovery
Beyond age, a range of physical and lifestyle factors can influence how quickly a man can become erect again. Cardiovascular health is critical, said Lorraine Grover: “Healthy and fit men will find recovery more straightforward than men who may have some cardiovascular issues. Issues like these can impact blood flow, which is crucial to muster and maintain an erection.” Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all prolong recovery by impairing circulation.
Sleep is another important element. According to Grover, sleep allows the body to “refuel energy levels needed for sexual function”, and if it does not get enough, it can take longer to be ready for a second erection. She also pointed to excessive alcohol and drug use, which can “numb arousal signs” and cause dehydration, inhibiting hormone regulation. Research notes that heavy drinking can lead to so-called “whisky dick” — difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection — and can lower testosterone and affect blood flow. Recreational drugs can damage blood vessels and reduce testosterone levels, with some long-term effects potentially permanent. Testosterone levels themselves are a major factor: “Low testosterone can cause weaker erections following the first one, and a longer recovery time,” Grover added. Additionally, men who are less sexually active tend to have a longer refractory period. On the flip side, a healthy diet and regular exercise can improve overall health and may help shorten the recovery window. The type of sexual experience may also play a role: some evidence suggests that solo masturbation can result in a shorter refractory period than partnered intercourse.
While there are no approved medical treatments specifically designed to shorten the refractory period, some older research indicates that erectile dysfunction medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) may help some men, though these drugs are not licensed for that purpose and should only be used under medical guidance. Other strategies, such as pelvic floor muscle training and exploring new sexual experiences, have been suggested but lack clear evidence.
The psychological dimension
Even after the body has physically recovered from the refractory period, mental factors can make it difficult to achieve another erection. “Stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and performance anxiety can all reduce sexual arousal,” said Dr Todd. Lorraine Grover went further, noting that the degree of attraction to a partner can play a “significant role”. “Psychological arousal is crucial to driving physical arousal and how the brain resets to become aroused again,” she explained.
The brain, both experts agree, is the most important sex organ. “Your emotional and psychological state during intimacy can have a huge impact on erectile function, including refractory recovery,” said Grover. After climaxing once, some men may experience performance anxiety as they worry about whether they can perform again. This anxiety triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is driven by the sympathetic nervous system and works directly against the parasympathetic nervous system — the system needed to achieve and maintain an erection. Chronic stress and anxiety can also keep adrenaline levels high, constricting blood vessels and further hindering erections.
Unrealistic expectations set by pornography can exacerbate the problem. Research has linked frequent porn use to lower sexual satisfaction and increased rates of sexual dysfunction in men. “The brain is the most important sex organ,” Grover reiterated, “and if you get in your head about being ready for round two, that could hinder rather than help.”
Both healthcare professionals stressed that difficulties with erections or recovery are extremely common and encouraged men to seek medical advice if they have persistent concerns. Any sudden or significant changes in the refractory period may also signal underlying health issues that warrant a check-up. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” they said.