Are you one of the many women who ask the question "Why does my vagina smell bad?" An unpleasant odor in the vagina is not an uncommon occurrence in women.
Unfortunately, this doesn't make it any less embarrassing.
Most of the time, the unpleasant odor also comes with discomfort and itchiness.
When you're experiencing this, it's wise for you to see a gynecologist.
You could be suffering from yeast infection.
Of course, you can't go up to the doctor and just ask, "Why does my vagina smell bad?" could you? However, you can tell him/her about your medical history.
Most women who are diabetic, pregnant, or who have low immune systems suffer from vaginal yeast infection, which causes unpleasant odors.
Sometimes, vaginitis is also wrongly diagnosed as a simple case of yeast infection, so it's really not recommended for you to self medicate.
Vaginal yeast infection can also be indirectly caused by unprotected sexual intercourse.
Ironically enough, some cases are also caused by the vagina's incompatibility to the contraceptives used.
Some condoms have chemicals in their lubricants, which can promote the growth of fungus in the vagina.
It's best to reveal all of this information to your gynecologist during your consultation.
While infections caused by yeast is not considered a sexually transmitted disease exclusively, this doesn't discount the fact that women with the infection can end up infecting their partners as well.
When you have a smelly discharge coming from your vagina, it's best to withhold sex first until you're absolutely sure that your infection isn't contagious, or that sexual contact won't aggravate the problem.