Tubal sterilisation. Image 1 of 2. Endoscope view of a thermoelectric probe being used to cauterize (burn) one of a woman's two Fallopian tubes and so prevent her conceiving. This Fallopian tube leads from the uterus (partially seen at far right) to end near one of the two nearby ovaries (not seen). The tube plays an important role in reproduction, receiving the egg (ovum, female reproductive cell) that may be released from its ovary, transporting it to the uterus. The prevention of this process may be normal birth control (contraception) or to protect the woman if an accidental pregnancy may harm her. For an image of a Fallopian tube after cauterization, see image M860/263.