Masculinities, Sexuality, and the Body: Differences in Sexual Functioning and Body Image among Heterosexual and Gay Men in Poland

Introduction:
Contemporary research on gender and sexuality highlights the role of sexual identity in shaping experiences of intimacy, body perception, and sexual well-being. Drawing on masculinity studies and minority stress theory, sexual orientation may influence how men internalize cultural norms regarding the body and sexual performance. Despite growing research on male sexual functioning, homosexual men remain underrepresented in studies examining the relationship between body image and sexual well-being. This study aimed to compare heterosexual and homosexual men in selected dimensions of sexual functioning and body image within the Polish cultural context.
Materials and Methods:
Data were collected between April and June 2025 via an online survey. The final sample consisted of 214 men (Mage = 22.20, SD = 2.11; 53% heterosexual). Measures included sexual satisfaction, sexual self-esteem, and body image. Group differences were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests.
Results:
Gay men reported a higher number of sexual partners and greater sexual consciousness. Heterosexual men rated their upper-body strength and physical condition more positively. No significant differences were found in overall sexual satisfaction or sexual self-esteem.
Conclusions:
Sexual orientation differentiates certain aspects of sexual behavior and body perception but not core evaluations of sexual functioning. These findings may reflect shared cultural standards of masculinity alongside minority-specific experiences influencing sexual self-reflection. The results highlight the importance of including sexual orientation in research on masculinity, body image, and sexual well-being, particularly in heteronormative contexts.