How Long Does It Take for a Woman to Be Ready for Round 2?

How long does it take for a woman to be ready for round two of sex? This question has various answers depending on whom you’re asking. But, it’s generally known that women have a shorter refractory period than men, so they’re capable of multiple rounds of sex in quick succession.

For some context, the refractory period is the length of time after orgasm when a person is unable to be aroused and have sex again. For men, this window is typically characterized by an inability to get an erection. For women, it’s a little less obvious.

However, while one woman may be ready to have sex again just a few seconds after having an orgasm, others may feel a little too sensitive to sexual touch for longer. It may come down to her personal physiology and whether or not she feels satisfied.

We took a poll of 120 people to see how women felt about multiple rounds of sex. Keep reading to find out what they said, along with details about how the female refractory period differs from the male refractory period.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, most women have the capacity to have multiple orgasms, suggesting a short or non-existent refractory period, but only about 15 percent of women do, according to past research conducted on the topic. Men, on the other hand, have refractory periods that can be as short as a few minutes for some, but up to 24 hours for others.

In one small 2014 study, researchers sought to explore gender-based differences in the orgasm experience. They had 38 men and 38 women bring themselves to orgasm via masturbation while being monitored. The research revealed that after orgasm, the men’s sexual arousal and desire dropped faster and more consistently than women’s, the men were more likely than women to feel completely satisfied, and the male genital temperature decreased more than that of the women’s. On the other hand, women’s feelings of arousal and desire after orgasm persisted.

Another 2013 study proposed that hormone-like secretions called prostaglandins and a peptide called somatostatin may lengthen a man’s refractory period post-ejaculation.

Of course, not all women feel ready to go again right away. An older 2009 study of 174 women revealed that 96 percent of the participants did not want more clitoral stimulation after orgasm due to increased sensitivity.

How Emotions May Affect the Female Refractory Period

Some experts say that emotional factors may influence a woman’s desire for multiple rounds of sex.

According to Rhiannon John, a sexologist and sex educator, women’s individual experiences with a refractory period can vary widely. “While some may feel the need for a brief pause to recover or refocus, this is usually influenced more by mental or emotional factors than by physical limitations,” says John. She points to research by sex therapy pioneer Helen Singer Kaplan, who purported that desire and arousal often depend on emotional and situational factors, which can influence whether someone feels ready to continue.

Kaplan is probably best known for proposing the three-stage female sexual response cycle in 1979. This model introduced sexual desire as a necessary precursor to sexual excitement and orgasm, whereas the earlier model by sex researchers William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson listed excitement as the first stage.

Another theory developed by Rosemary Basson in 2000 deems the sexual response cycle in women to be cyclical and strongly influenced by a desire for intimacy. While a man’s desire for sexual activity is said to be driven by his libido, Basson proposed that sexual desire in a woman can be triggered after physical contact has been initiated or by her need for closeness and commitment to her partner.

Based on an informal poll we conducted of 120 men and women, 73 percent of respondents said women did want a second round of sex after orgasm. Twenty-seven percent said women were satisfied after one round of sex and did not want round two.

However, the poll did not factor in age, stress levels, and intensity of the first orgasm, all of which are elements that might influence a woman’s desire for multiple rounds of sex. Her answer may also depend on the time of day, day of the week, and other factors.

The best way to know if your female partner wants a second round of sex? Ask her. After all, studies show couples who talk about sex regularly have better sex lives.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, there are some strategies that could potentially shorten the refractory period and increase the likelihood that you can (and want to) go for multiple rounds of sex. This can be especially helpful if you’re a man struggling with premature ejaculation or other sexual performance issues that prevent you from giving her an orgasm during the first round of sex.

• Start with foreplay. Take your time to build arousal again by engaging in foreplay ideas like kissing, cuddling, watching porn, or role-play.

• Explore other parts of the body. If you find that your genitals are too sensitive for sexual stimulation after orgasm, try exploring other parts of the body to ease back into sex. Various hotspots all over the body, known as erogenous zones, can induce pleasure when touched. Some lesser-known erogenous zones? Earlobes, nipples, inner thighs, and even the armpits.

• Try a new position. Different sex positions offer different sensations. You may be able to speed up the refractory period and get sufficiently aroused again by trying a new position.

• Avoid excess alcohol consumption. Watching how much you drink isn’t just solid medical advice. It can also improve your sexual health. As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol slows brain function and blood flow. This can reduce sexual stimulation and lead to difficulty in achieving orgasm. Excessive alcohol use is also linked to certain sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction (ED) and low sex drive.

• Take erectile dysfunction medication. If you’ve been prescribed ED medication, you may notice that your refractory period is shorter than usual. However, you should never take ED medication recreationally or without a prescription.

• Use sex toys. Sex toys can keep sex going even if your genitals can’t. If you’re using a vibrator, for instance, you can start off at a slower speed and hold it against less sensitive areas to start amping up arousal again.

• Take care of your overall health. Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep aren’t just best practices for protecting your overall health. They also boost sexual function by supporting proper blood flow, which is crucial for sexual arousal and performance.

If you’re unsure how long to wait for round 2, your best bet is to ask your partner. The refractory period varies widely, and whether or not a woman wants to go for a second round may differ day by day. Here’s what we know:

• Female refractory periods vary. Women typically have a shorter refractory period than men, allowing for the possibility of multiple orgasms. However, individual experiences vary, and the best way to know if she wants to go for another round is to ask.

• Emotional and situational factors may influence her sexual desire. A need for intimacy and connection can strongly influence a woman's readiness for multiple rounds of sex.

• You may be able to shorten the refractory period. Some tips to shorten the refractory period are to engage in foreplay, try new positions, and avoid excessive alcohol.

If you struggle with premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, seeking treatment may help you have longer-lasting and more satisfying sex with your partner. Get a recommendation for a healthcare provider if you need more support.