F
fallopian tubes A pair of narrow enclosed chan-
nels that transport OVA(eggs) from the OVARIESto
the UTERUS. The fallopian tubes extend from the
top of the uterus, one on each side, curving down-
ward to end just short of the ovaries. The ovary
end of the fallopian tube is somewhat fluted with
fringelike edges called the fimbriae. The fimbriae
float in fluid. At OVULATIONthe ovary releases an
ovum (egg) into the fluid. The fimbriae undulate,
drawing the ovum into the fallopian tube. Tiny
cilia (hairlike structures) project from the cells
that form the tube’s inner lining. The cilia move in
wavelike motions that pull the ovum along the
fallopian tube toward the uterus. If SPERMare pres-
ent, they may fertilize the ovum on its journey
through the fallopian tube. If no sperm are pres-
ent, the ovum passes into the uterus and out of
the body with MENSTRUATION.
A TUBAL LIGATIONis a form of permanent CON-
TRACEPTION(birth control) in which the gynecolo-
gist ablates (destroys, such as by electrocautery) or
cuts and ties the fallopian tubes to block passage
for ova. Rarely, a tubal ligation may sponta-
neously reconnect. Recurrent infections such as
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES(STDS) may affect the
fallopian tubes, causing salpingitis or PELVIC INFLAM-
MATORY DISEASE(PID). Either may result in perma-
nent loss of FERTILITY through scarring that
obstructs (blocks) the fallopian tubes.
For further discussion of the fallopian tubes
within the context of the structures and functions
of reproduction and sexuality, please see the
overview section “The Reproductive System.”
See also INFERTILITY; SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
(STD) PREVENTION.
family planning The process of intentional deci-
sion making around having children. Family plan-
ning encompasses choices in regard to PREGNANCY,
ADOPTION, and not having children. Factors that
influence family planning include general health,
FERTILITY, personal preferences, religious beliefs,
and lifestyle matters such as partnership status
and work or career demands. In the United States
about half of all pregnancies are intended. One
million unintended pregnancies occur in teens.
The US government’s program of health goals
HEALTHY PEOPLE2010 calls for the availability of
appropriate resources (such as education and con-
traceptive methods) so that all pregnancies are
intended.
Planning pregnancy prevention (CONTRACEPTION)
and pregnancy (conception) are equally impor-
tant. More than a half dozen methods of contra-
ception are available, from abstinence and cyclic
timing (rhythm method) to sustained-release HOR-
MONE regulation. The choice of contraception
should consider availability, ease of use, rate of
success, and personal preferences of sexual part-
ners. The most common reason for failure of any
given contraceptive method is failing to use it.
However, the only certain method for preventing
pregnancy is abstinence (not having SEXUAL INTER-
COURSE). No other method of birth control is 100
percent certain to prevent pregnancy, though
methods such as TUBAL LIGATION and VASECTOMY
(operations to produce permanent sterilization)
come close.
A key aspect of pregnancy planning is birth
spacing—the amount of time between the births
of children. From a health perspective, three years
or more between births is optimal for both mater-
nal and child health. This spacing allows the
mother to fully recuperate between pregnancies as
well as to provide the attention that each child
needs. Siblings who have three or more years281