Abstract Personality traits, namely Neuroticism, have been suggested as vulnerability factors for the development and maintenance of sexual dysfunction, in heterosexual samples. However no evidence was found regarding homosexual samples. The current study aimed to analyze the differences on personality traits between heterosexual and homosexual men and women, with and without sexual problems. Two-hundred and eighty-five participants (142 men and 143 women) completed a web-survey. Participants answered to the NEO-FFI, the BSI and questions regarding sexual problems. The groups of men and women with and without sexual problems were matched for sociodemographic variables. A 2 (group) x 2 (sexual orientation) MANCOVA was conducted separately for each gender. Results indicated a significant main effect for group and for sexual orientation in both male and female samples. Men with sexual problems scored higher on Neuroticism, while women with sexual problems scored higher on Neuroticism and lower on Extraversion when compared to healthy controls, regardless of sexual orientation. Additionally, gay men scored higher on Neuroticism and lesbian women scored higher on Conscientiousness compared to the heterosexual groups. Current findings emphasize the central role of Neuroticism on sexual problems in both men and women regardless of sexual orientation.