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Intorduction: The process of modernization and globalization and changes in the value system have gradually given rise to new and unusual patterns of relationships among some Iranian youth. One of the most extreme forms of premarital relationships is the emergence of cohabitation patterns. In our country, little research has been done on this issue as it is inconsistent with society's norms and values. This study seeks to deeply understand the experiences and challenges of girls with a history of cohabitation and provide practical solutions in this area.
Method: The method of the study is phenomenological and based on purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation criterion, 16 girls with a history of cohabitation participated in this study. Semi structured interviews were used for data collection, and analysis of data was done using the thematic method.
Findings: The analysis of the information obtained from the interviews revealed eight main categories: The field of gender balance, Feeling rejected and isolated, Fear of disclosing the relationship, Experience of high-risk behaviors, Experience of violence, Negative attitude to marriage, Lack of feeling secure in the relationship and worrying about pregnancy, and Changing attitudes to virginity and gender roles.
Discussion: The results of the present study showed that participants, along with the feelings of gender equality and independence and greater freedom of action and change attitudes toward gender roles, with serious challenges such as stigma and social exclusion, reduced social capital, feelings of insecurity, high-risk behaviors (smoking tobbaco and drug abuse) and have faced violence.

Keywords: Cohabitation, Extramarital relationships, Girls' rxperiences and challenges, Phenomenology

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