The neurobiology of the male sexual refractory period

Abstract

Despite having been recognized for many years, the mechanisms governing the male sexual refractory period (post-ejaculatory refractory period, post-ejaculatory interval) remain poorly understood. This review examines the brain and spinal areas putatively involved in this phenomenon to draw a coherent picture from the available data. It is hoped that this will reveal where further research will offer the potential for crucial insights on this topic.

Keywords: Human sexuality; Medial preoptic area; Post ejaculatory interval; Sexual behavior; Sexual refractory period; Spinal ejaculation generator.