Vaginal odor is often linked with vaginal discharge or vaginal itching and can have different causes. Vaginal odor is often caused from a change in the bacteria that normally live in your vagina (bacterial vaginosis) or from a yeast infection. Other reasons for vaginal odor can be caused from a forgotten tampon left in the vagina or from not showering or bathing regularly. However, vaginal odor can mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection, especially if you’re having unprotected intercourse. That’s why it’s important to talk to your health care provider if you’ve had unprotected intercourse, an unusual vaginal discharge or itching, or if the odor doesn’t go away. See your health care provider to see what is causing your symptoms and if you need medication. If you do have an infection, there is medicine that can cure it and the odor too.