Sex therapy with orthodox Jewish couples.

The sexual relationship of the Orthodox Jewish couple is profoundly affected by laws and values which, among other factors, prohibit male masturbation and limit sexual activity to specific monthly periods. This paper conceptualizes the interplay of religious, cultural, psychological, and interpersonal dynamics as they are related to both the etiology and treatment of sexual dysfunctions within this group. Three clinical illustrations are presented. They attempt to show that the ubiquitous presence of these Jewish laws and values create an ambience whereby the successful treatment of dysfunctions can only occur through the simultaneous resolution of key marital difficulties and the development of more intimate relational bondings.