Understanding masculinity, or the reality of the Polish male

Gedeon Richter focuses its activities in the area of women's health. However, in pursuit of its mission to improve the quality of life, it undertakes broader activities and initiatives. One of them is a survey whose results have just been released. What is the modern man really like and what are his needs centered around health?

- As a leader in the area of women's health, we at Gedeon Richter have been undertaking numerous initiatives for their health and well-being for many years. However, we have noticed that the topic of men's health in Poland is still marginalized. There is a lack of research that could comprehensively show their health and emotional needs. The stereotype of the tough, unemotional man still persists, and social pressures often limit their ability to express their emotions openly. In our report "Understanding Masculinity. The Reality of the Polish Male," we address issues such as men's health, sexuality, emotions and self-acceptance. This is a step towards better understanding their needs and changing social stereotypes," says Aneta Grzegorzewska, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at Gedeon Richter Poland.

Do Polish men take care of their health? 

The report's conclusions are mixed - on the one hand, they show positive changes, while on the other, they point to areas that still need more care.

- According to the report, by far the oldest group of surveyed men (56-69 years old) is most often concerned with their health - 15% of respondents in this age group have never used a specialist, with more than 30% of men aged 18-35 admitting to doing so. Interestingly, as many as 1/4 of all respondents have already had at least one visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist. The report proves that men too rarely get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Only 7% of respondents have had such a test. At the same time, 87% of respondents admit that intimate health is a shared issue in a relationship. 88% of men in a steady relationship believe that a successful relationship positively affects health. Mutual attention and care, such as reminding each other about preventive examinations and doctor's appointments, makes it more likely that possible health problems will be diagnosed earlier, says Aneta Grzegorzewska, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at Gedeon Richter Poland.

Feelings are important in men's lives

In addition to health issues, the report raised a number of questions about what men really feel. As it turns out, the majority of men want to talk about how they feel, with as many as 2 in 3 respondents expressing a willingness to talk about emotions. Among men aged 18-25, on the other hand, this percentage is as high as 79%, while for singles it is 74%. What's more, it's the representatives of the youngest group surveyed who admit that they have no one to talk to about their problems and concerns (54% vs. 41%).

- This data saddened me, but did not surprise me. The report also says that most men, regardless of age, generally talk about positive emotions (42%), while only 31% talk about negative ones. Let's remember that talking to another person, feeling accepted and wanted, is our basic human need. The biggest surprise for me, however, is the rather high percentage of Poles (24%) who still admit that it is not appropriate for a man to cry! So, on the one hand, modern men, by their own declaration, are more sensitive and emotional, but on the other hand: let's hope not too much. - Says Kamila Raczynska, a sex educator.

His sexuality - challenges, dreams and reality

A fairly extensive section of the report was also devoted to intimate life issues. Here, too, there are many stereotypes about the vision of men as perfect lovers. In a small way, however, this translates into reality, as the survey shows that as many as 49% of men aged 18-25, have never yet had sex. Once they do have regular intercourse, however, it turns out that they are not entirely satisfied with it. More than half (56%) feel like having sex several times a week or more often, and for women the figure is 40%. Unfortunately, as many as 1 in 3 men (30%) admit that they do not have intercourse as often as they would like.

- Comparing this data from the report on women's sexuality ("Sexual Map of the Polish Woman," 2023) with this year's responses from men, I see a common denominator. Men are more likely to want sex than to actually have intercourse, and that's exactly what women said. The implication is that both sides would like to make love more often, but no one wants to say it out loud. So, with a pinch of salt, it can be said that we walk around frustrated instead of making love during this time," says Kamila Raczynska. When, on the other hand, we talk about erotic fantasies and dream sex we are in for quite a surprise. Only 2% of men dream of rough, strong sex, while the vast majority want it to give satisfaction and pleasure (41%) and full satisfaction to both parties (33%). This part of the report also addresses erection problems, which 57% of Poles already admit to.

- Such high figures mean that men experience an erectile problem as a potential dysfunction. It is worth noting that in order to make a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, certain diagnostic criteria, included in the current classifications, must be met. One of the most important are the criteria of time and intensity. It is noteworthy that nowadays sexual performance is considered primarily based on the belief of continuous readiness and ability. This is the benchmark, not physiological regularities. Simply put, "the bough must always be on fire, preferably with Olympic fire," because this is the image shaped by min. advertisements. So if the point of reference is that up to now a man has always "risen to the occasion," and suddenly there is a lack of full erectile function, it is even habitually considered in terms of dysfunction. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that fatigue or some somatic or psychological problems can affect erectile trouble. However, this does not mean that it is a permanent trouble," comments Dr. Robert Kowalczyk - clinical sexologist, psychologist and psychotherapist.

How do men evaluate themselves?

The report shows that Poles are rather satisfied both overall with their lives (average rating of 6.9 on a scale of 1-10) and with themselves (6.7). Interestingly, these numbers are even higher with age and among men who are in a relationship. What's more, "masculinity" has ceased to be associated with strength, courage, as for 63% of respondents this term primarily means maturity, 56% point to wisdom in life and only 2% less calmness and self-control. Synonyms for masculinity are least often described as youthfulness (7%), a form of competition, i.e. inspiring admiration/jealousy in other men (9%), and high professional standing (9%). The new data shows that modern men place more emphasis on calmness and a balanced approach to life.

Source: press mat.