The material in this paper is based on the experience at a tertiary care general hospital and a major university medical school in Saudi ArabiBecause of the taboo on sexuality in this culture, female complaints of sexual dysfunction are usually hidden but may be disclosed fortuitously during marital therapy. More frequently, the male unilaterally presents with a sexual dysfunction, since he feels it would be inappropriate for his wife to discuss sexual issues with a stranger. The treatment should be modified to help the patient achieve the maximum possible satisfaction in the sexual relationship. Conservatism in sexual behaviour has always been a strong factor in minimizing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and illegitimate births, and has supported the stability of family life. However, when the religious and cultural values are misinterpreted or not observed accurately, the resultant emotional conflict might be presented in the psychiatric clinic as sexual dysfunction. Common types of sexual dysfunction in Arab culture include low sexual desire, orgasmic dysfunction, and excitement stage disorders. Each is discussed in this article, as well as the identification of the cultural factors that might modulate their presentation and treatment.