1610s, from Low German, from Middle Low German Swede, back-formed from a source akin to Old English SweoÃ°eod, literally Swede-people, from Sweon (plural) Swedes (Old Norse, Old Swedish Sviar), called by the Romans Suiones, probably from Proto-Germanic *sweba free, independent, or else from *geswion kinsman..
Symptoms & Signs. Vaginal odor is typically from inflammation of the vaginal area. Inflammation of the vaginal area can occur because of poor hygiene but is often a result of infection in or around the vagina. A common infection that can cause vaginal odor is overgrowth of the normal vaginal bacteria to cause bacterial vaginosis. The sexually transmitted disease trichinosis can cause vaginal odor. Uncommon causes of vaginal odor include cancers and an abnormal passageway between the rectum and vagina (rectovaginal fistula).
In premenopausal women, infection is the most common cause. After menopause, a low level of estrogen often leads to vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis). Vaginitis also can be the result of an allergic reaction to an irritating chemical, such as a spermicide, douche or bath soap. Almost all infectious vaginitis is caused by one of three infections: 1  Bacterial vaginosis is a change in the type of bacteria that normally live in the vagina, and it is the most common cause of an abnormal vaginal discharge or an unpleasant vaginal odor.