This site is about menstrual cycles, but “period” means other things too. If you landed here looking for one of these, here’s the short version.
What is the refractory period?
In physiology, the refractory period is a brief time after a nerve or muscle cell responds during which it can’t immediately respond again. In the absolute phase, no stimulus can trigger another response. In the relative phase, a stronger than usual stimulus can.
The term is also used for the recovery time after orgasm, during which another one isn’t possible. It has nothing to do with menstruation.
What was the Edo period?
The Edo period, also called the Tokugawa period, was an era of Japanese history from 1603 until the late 1860s. Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, from Edo, the city now called Tokyo. It’s known for its long internal peace and political stability.
Looking for something else?
If you’re here because of a late period, the late period checker is a good place to start. You can also browse all of our guides.