If you would like to know how to get rid of fishy vaginal odor, you will no doubt be pleased to learn that there are a number of very simple steps you can take which may help eradicate the problem. This is a very common condition-probably more so than we all realize, with over half of all women admitting that this is something which they have had issues with throughout their adult life.

For many women, fishy vaginal odor is a transient thing-it comes and goes occasionally and is often a reaction to various changes in circumstances in our busy lives. For others though, this becomes a persistent problem which cannot be easily shifted and no sooner does it seem to disappear, than it it back again.

Although many might think otherwise, poor hygiene is rarely a problem. To a certain extent, the vagina is self-cleansing and the natural lubricants "manage" the ecosystem by killing off bad bacteria and keeping levels of naturally occurring good bacteria at satisfactory levels. Very often, overwashing can make vaginal odor worse and this is ironic as one of the first things a woman often does in these circumstances is to wash frequently. Unfortunately, this can strip the vagina of its natural lubricants, thus allowing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria which can cause the fishy vaginal odor. It is important to wash only twice daily, using an unperfumed soap. In addition, you should avoid douching and perfumed feminine deodorants.

To get rid of fishy vaginal odor, another tip is to unsure that you wear only cotton panties. Although many of the synthetic materials seem to be made into much more attractive underwear, you should stick to cotton if you are prone to a problem with vaginal odor. Cotton allows the vaginal area to "breathe" whereas synthetic fabrics can trap in heat and moisture, thus creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Save the pretty panties for occasional wear only.

Another tip is to always ensure that you change your sanitary protection frequently. Although this sounds very obvious, this can be a source of bad smells. In addition, you should always ensure that you remove the last tampon of your period as soon as possible.

Some women have found that taking a bath into which a couple of cups of cider vinegar have been added is very helpful to help get rid of fishy vaginal odor. This can be a particularly useful remedy if you have an accompanying itch or burning.