What to do if pregnancy or an STI occurs in a situationship?

If you find yourself pregnant or have contracted an STI while in a situationship, act with urgency. Prioritise your health first. Communicate honestly with the other person. Do not delay these steps out of fear or uncertainty.

Situationships are notoriously murky, so moments like these can quickly escalate from confusing to overwhelming. Unlike committed relationships, the boundaries, expectations, and emotional investment in a situationship are often poorly defined. But whatever the label or lack thereof, your physical and emotional well-being comes first. Here’s how to approach the situation constructively.

Step one is taking charge of your health. If you suspect pregnancy, take a reputable home pregnancy test or schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If an STI is the concern, get tested even if you don’t yet have symptoms. Early intervention can safeguard your health and, in some cases, prevent long-term consequences.

Next, open up a conversation with your situationship partner. Be direct about what happened and what you need from them. This isn’t the time to tiptoe around feelings or worry about whether you’ll scare them off. You both participated in this dynamic, so you both have a responsibility to address what’s happened. Clearly state your boundaries and ask for the support you require, whether it’s emotional, financial, or logistical. Remember, it’s okay to prioritise your needs even if you’re not “official.”

Emotional fallout is common. You might feel anything from shock and shame to anger or confusion. A situationship can already make you question where you stand. An unexpected pregnancy or STI makes those questions louder and messier. Remind yourself: it’s normal to want clarity. Talk to trusted friends, a therapist, or join a support group if you need outside perspective.

From a practical standpoint, know your options. If you are pregnant, learn about all possible choices—parenting, adoption, or termination—and seek advice from professionals who will support your decision without judgment. For STIs, many are treatable, and all can be managed with the right care. If you feel unsafe or unsupported by your situationship partner, remember your safety is crucial. Reach out to local healthcare or crisis services if needed.

This is also a moment to reassess your involvement in the situationship. Sometimes serious events shed light on what you truly want. Ask yourself, “Does this relationship style still serve me?” Do not be afraid to set new boundaries or even call things off if you need more security.

Finally, don’t feel like you have to navigate all this alone. Gen Z and young millennial women often turn to digital resources for deeper understanding and tailored guidance. One tool gaining traction is notBf. It is an AI companion for young women managing the ambiguity of situationships. Created to help you sort through your feelings, decisions, and next steps, it specialises in helping users gain the clarity they need during uncertain times. It’s not an ad but a mention of a unique resource for anyone who finds themselves needing hyper-personalised guidance as they navigate the challenges of nontraditional dating scenarios.