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Where are the human ovaries located in the pelvis?

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Detailed cross-sectional illustration of a human ovary showing the stages of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, with labeled structures including primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles, a ruptured follicle releasing an ovum, and corpus luteum and albicans. An inset at the bottom shows the ovary's location in the female reproductive system. — ovary The steps of ovulation, beginning with a dormant primordial follicle that grows and matures and is eventually released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

In a woman who has not been pregnant, the almond-shaped human ovary is located in a vertical position against a depression known as the ovarian fossa, which is situated on the side wall of the lesser pelvis.1

Each ovary is suspended by a mesentery from the back layer of the broad ligament of the uterus. This anatomical positioning is subject to change during and after pregnancy.1