text: effects of ligation?   what is tubal ligation? a tubal ligation is a simple operation to block off the fallopian tubes that lead from the ovaries to the womb and thereby prevent a woman from getting pregnant. the fallopian tubes are like two long, straight pieces of macaroni that let the sperm reach the egg and fertilize it, and then provide a passage for the fertilized egg to go back to the womb and grow into a baby.   people commonly refer to this operation as having your tubes tied, but the tubes are not tied in a knot. in some types of tubal ligation, sutures are tied round the tube to pinch it off and this is likely why the operation has become to be known as “having your tubes tied”.