Everything You Should Know About The Fallopian Tubes
The female reproductive system is so complex that, even to this day, we don’t know many things about it. So, let’s better understand one of the most important organs of the female reproductive system and human conception – the fallopian tubes. In this article, you'll learn what the fallopian tubes are, their functions, and their role in helping you conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
The female reproductive system consists of internal and external organs. The external reproductive organs are the vulva, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening. The internal reproductive organs are the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and womb. All of these organs are important and have multiple functions — from reproductive and sexual health to endocrine function. However, not many of us know the exact functions of the fallopian tubes and how important they are in getting pregnant.
What are the fallopian tubes and their three main functions?
The fallopian tubes are about 10-12 cm long and have a funnel-shaped opening at each ovary. Their internal lining is covered with hair-like structures called ciliated cells that help guide the egg into the tube.
They have three main functions
- Egg transport: During ovulation, around the middle of the cycle, the ovaries release a mature egg cell. After the egg is released, it enters the fallopian tube. The tube's ciliated cells and muscular contractions help move the egg towards the uterus where it can meet the sperm cells.
- Fertilization site: The same ciliated cells also help move sperm cells toward the egg. If the egg encounters sperm within the fallopian tube, fertilization usually happens there. The fertilized egg, also called the zygote, then continues traveling toward the uterus.
- Early embryo transport: After fertilization, the early embryo travels through the fallopian tube and enters the uterus to implant in the uterine lining.
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Anatomy of the fallopian tubes
In a way, the fallopian tubes resemble a flower. They stretch from the uterus and connect to the ovaries on each side with wide openings resembling a flower blossom.
The organ is made up of four parts:
- Infundibulum: This is the funnel-shaped part of the fallopian tube closest to the ovaries. It’s made up of finger-like projections called fimbriae that reach towards the ovary. One of these fimbriae, called the fimbria ovarica, is long enough to touch the ovary. The role of the fimbriae is to capture the newly released egg from the ovary and push it into the fallopian tube to move it to the uterus. These tiny projections are very fragile and can be damaged by certain infections like STIs. Damaged fimbriae can’t properly catch an egg and move it.
- Isthmus: It’s a small channel that connects the main part of the fallopian tube, or ampulla, to the part of the fallopian tube closest to the uterus, called the intramural portion.
- Ampulla: It’s the main channel of the fallopian tube between the infundibulum and the isthmus. Fertilization usually happens in the ampulla.
- Intramural: The intramural portion of the fallopian tube goes into the top part of the uterus. It opens into the uterine cavity, where an embryo can attach to the uterine wall and grow into a fetus.
How do fallopian tubes use vibration?
While the fallopian tubes might seem like just a part of the reproductive system that transports egg cells, they are more complex than that. Fallopian tubes are one of the most important parts of the reproductive system for successful fertilization to happen. To achieve this, the fallopian tubes use vibration and muscle contractions.
After an egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, the fallopian tube uses gentle contractions to create a suction effect that helps draw the egg into the tube's opening. Hormonal signals in the body trigger the fallopian tube's muscular walls to contract. This helps ensure the egg enters the tube properly.
As mentioned before, the inside lining of the fallopian tubes is covered with millions of tiny ciliated cells. These cilia constantly wave in a coordinated manner to create a current to move the egg along the length of the tube toward the uterus. The coordinated movement of the cilia, along with the muscular contractions of the tube itself, gently moves the egg through the narrow fallopian tube pathway. The soft cilia prevent the egg from getting stuck and ease its journey to the uterus, where implantation can happen.
However, this delicate process can be obstructed and cause fertility issues.
Common fallopian tube problems and conditions
Although the role of the fallopian tubes is short in the whole pregnancy, it’s important that they work well. Damaged fallopian tubes not only make a viable pregnancy harder but can also increase the risks of pregnancy complications for the mother and the baby.
Conditions that affect the fallopian tubes
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic or tubal pregnancy happens when an embryo implants inside one of the fallopian tubes. Normally, the embryo should implant in the uterine wall, but if conception happens inside the fallopian tube and the zygote isn’t pushed into the uterus, it might implant in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and aren’t viable. They should be terminated as soon as possible as they can cause ruptures and internal bleeding.
Salpingitis
Salpingitis is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease caused by an infection. Usually, salpingitis develops as a result of an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Inflammation in the fallopian tubes can cause more problems down the road, such as infertility or pregnancy complications.
Fallopian tube cancer
Fallopian tube cancer is rare, accounting for only 1-2% of gynecologic cancers. This type of cancer originates in the fallopian tubes and can quickly spread to the ovaries. However, the good news is that when caught early, fallopian tube cancer has a high survival rate.
Fallopian tube blockages
Blockage in the fallopian tubes also called hydrosalpinx happens when fluid builds up and blocks the pathway of the fallopian tubes. It’s dangerous because the blockage prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
Paraovarian cyst
A paraovarian cyst forms on the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Most paraovarian cysts are filled with clear fluid, but they can also contain solid components. Small, uncomplicated paraovarian cysts may not need treatment. Sometimes they rupture or leak out without causing any symptoms. Larger or symptomatic cysts might need surgical removal.
What happens if one of the fallopian tubes gets blocked?
Fallopian tube blockages are relatively common. Around 30% of infertility cases are due to blocked fallopian tubes. Usually, the blockage happens due to scar tissue left after an infection. One of the main causes of this is untreated STIs that turn into pelvic inflammatory disease. However, other conditions such as endometriosis, tubal polyps, fibroids and tumors, and prior ectopic pregnancies can obstruct the fallopian tube pathway.
When the ovary, attached to a blocked fallopian tube, releases an egg, it gets stuck and doesn’t reach the uterus where potential fertilization should happen. There is also an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, as the traveling egg may get stuck and implant improperly in that tube rather than in the uterus.
The blockage also reduces the window for fertilization and the opportunities for the egg to unite with sperm for fertilization to happen. In most cases, you might find out about fallopian tube blockage only when you try to get pregnant. Otherwise, it doesn’t show any significant symptoms.
Although it's more difficult, there are ways to get pregnant even with blocked fallopian tubes. Most doctors suggest going down the in vitro fertilization (IVF) route. However, depending on the blockage and its cause, they might suggest performing a salpingostomy. During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision to drain the blockage or remove damaged parts. However, after the procedure, some women have a higher risk of miscarriages and pregnancy complications.
Getting your tubes tied
Having your "tubes tied" refers to a tubal ligation or tubectomy. It’s a surgical method of permanent female sterilization. Some women might choose to get their tubes tied when they’re done having kids. In some cases, childfree women choose to get their tubes tied to prevent unwanted pregnancies without taking hormonal contraception. However, many healthcare providers are still resistant to performing tubal ligation on childfree women because of biases and fear of patient regret.
How does tubal ligation work?
During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are blocked, clamped, cut, or sealed through an incision in the abdomen. This prevents eggs released from the ovaries from traveling through the tubes to the uterus. Without the fallopian tube pathway, the egg cannot unite with sperm and travel to the uterus to become fertilized and implant.
It’s considered a permanent form of contraception because reversing a tubal ligation to try to restore fertility is difficult and often unsuccessful. The ovaries remain functional and continue releasing eggs, but the blocked tubes provide an effective barrier to prevent pregnancy. It doesn’t affect the menstrual cycle or hormone levels and is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancies. It can be a great way to permanently prevent unwanted pregnancies without the side effects of hormonal birth control. However, because it’s a permanent contraception method, you should consider all the pros and cons of the procedure.
Final words
The fallopian tubes are crucial for successful fertilization and a healthy pregnancy. We hope this article has given you a better idea of how the fallopian tubes function, their anatomy, and the health conditions associated with them. If you would like to learn more about menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and female health, we invite you to read our other blog posts.
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