The Dutch national practice guideline 'Diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in adults' describes the multidisciplinary approach for adult patients with (suspected) IBD, recommended following analysis of the literature according to the principles of evidence based guideline development. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are associated with temporary or permanent extra-intestinal disorders: reactive inflammatory conditions, associated conditions, and those arising as a consequence of long standing, inflammatory, intestinal disease. Treatment is aimed first at the IBD disease process and subsequently at the specific extra-intestinal conditions if complaints persist. The fertility of women with IBD who have not been operated is comparable with those without this complaint. With the exception of methotrexate in both sexes and of sulfasalazine in men, none of the usual medicines for IBD is known to adversely influence fertility. Fertility decreases following abdominal surgery. IBD patients are advised to restrict onset of pregnancy to a longstanding, quiet phase of the disease (ideally > 1 year). The risk of complications during pregnancy is not elevated when IBD is in remission, but is increased during active disease. Nulliparae with an ileoanal pouch have approximately 50% long term risk of developing faecal incontinence; a planned full-term Caesarean section may be beneficial in such cases. Complicated perianal disease is similarly an indication for non-vaginal delivery. The life expectancy for patients with ulcerative colitis is normal, but is slightly lower in patients with Crohn's disease. These positive findings have not yet been incorporated into the practice of life insurance providers. The diversity of IBD patient health care and its delivery by many professionals places stringent requirements on the organisation of care by hospitals and those providing treatment. The transfer process from paediatric specialist to gastroenterologist affects both patients and parents deeply.