Body & health

Fallopian tubes

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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The fallopian tubes are two narrow tubes that carry an egg from each ovary towards the uterus. Fertilisation usually happens inside one of them.

At a glance

  • Two narrow tubes carry eggs from the ovaries towards the uterus.
  • Fertilisation usually happens inside one of the tubes.
  • Finger-like projections at the ovary end sweep a released egg into the tube.
  • Damage from pelvic inflammatory disease can cause infertility and raises the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
  • Tubal ligation, a permanent contraception method, works by closing or removing the tubes.

In detail

The end of each tube near the ovary has finger-like projections that sweep a released egg into the tube. Tiny hair-like structures and muscle movements then move the egg along. If sperm meet the egg in the tube, fertilisation can take place, and the fertilised egg travels on to the uterus to implant.

Blocked or damaged tubes, for example after pelvic inflammatory disease caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea, are one cause of infertility and raise the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Tubal ligation, a form of permanent contraception, works by closing or removing the tubes.

In a sentence

  • The fertility specialist ordered a test to check whether her fallopian tubes were open.
  • Our biology worksheet asked where fertilisation usually happens, and the answer was the fallopian tubes.

Where the word comes from

Named after the 16th-century Italian anatomist Gabriele Falloppio (Fallopius), who described them. In medical writing they are also called uterine tubes.

Common questions

How can untreated STIs affect the fallopian tubes?

Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can scar or block the tubes. This is one cause of infertility and increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Regular testing and treatment help prevent this. A sexual health clinic can advise on testing.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

It is a pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It cannot continue safely and needs medical care. Damaged tubes make it more likely. Pain on one side of the lower abdomen or unusual bleeding in early pregnancy should be checked urgently by a doctor.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Planned ParenthoodWhat are the parts of the female sexual anatomy?
  2. NHSInfertility - Causes