I recently gave birth to my third child and have been considering an IUD. I have read just about everything I can find on this, but I have yet to find out whether or not you can feel the IUD. What if, for example, I move a certain way or my two-year-old hops on my stomach? Also, my husband has a tendency to hit my cervix during intercourse. Though we do try to avoid this because it is slightly painful, if it happens while I have an IUD is there a chance of greater pain or uterine damage?

--Melissa

You should not be able to feel a properly inserted IUD at all. Your husband impacting on your cervix will cause no harm, either. Occasionally, a man will be bothered by the IUD string protruding from the cervix, although the strings on the two IUDs available in the United States now are very soft and flexible. If he does complain that he feels the string during intercourse your doctor can trim it a bit.
The IUD can be an excellent contraceptive option for couples in long term, mutually monogamous relationships. You should speak with your doctor about the many different options. For more background in IUDs, see my earlier columns Types of IUDs and IUD Insertion, Removal & Safety.