Managing Bladder Pain with Medical Cannabis

The bladder is the organ located in the lower abdomen that stores urine. There are several different problems that can cause pain in the bladder. The three most common causes of bladder pain are interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infection, and bladder cancer.

What are the symptoms?

While the main symptom of these conditions is often pain, patients often experience additional symptoms. These may include:

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Pain or tenderness in the abdomen
  • Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
  • Low-grade fever
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Difficulty passing urine

Causes and treatment

As previously stated, bladder pain may be caused by a number of different problems. For example, interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition which causes the bladder to become inflamed and irritated. IC may be caused by a defect in the bladder lining, trauma to the bladder, or spinal cord injury.

Urinary tract infection is caused when bacteria finds its way through the urethra, which connects the bladder with the outside of the body. It can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys. Another common cause of bladder pain is cancer of the bladder.

The treatment of bladder pain will vary depending on the exact cause of the pain. In addition to treatments and therapies to address the cause of the pain – such as bladder instillation, bladder retraining, and in some cases surgery – patients may also be prescribed medications to relieve the pain, including prescription painkillers, steroids, and antibiotics. In some cases, surgery or chemotherapy may also be required.

Medical Cannabis and Bladder Pain

Medical cannabis has long been considered a potential alternative to strong painkillers for the management of pain. There is growing evidence that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays an important role in pain signalling. This could make cannabinoids a useful therapy for pain management.

Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.

What Does
Can° Clinic Pricing Plan Mean for You?

We’ve kept things simple and transparent, so you always know what to expect.

There are no hidden fees, no subscriptions. Just fair, predictable pricing to support your care throughout the year. 

Standard Plan

If you’re new to treatment with us you’ll pay a one-time onboarding fee of £99. Your first consultation (Month 1) is completely free. After that, you’ll have three follow-up check-ins across the year—each just £29.

£99 

Onboarding fee

Free

Month 1 

£29

Month 3

£29

Month 6

£29

Month 9

£186

Total Year 1

Become A Patient

Transferring Plan

If you're already receiving treatment elsewhere you’ll pay a reduced onboarding fee of £50 and your regular check-ins every three months are just £29 each.

£50 

Onboarding fee

£29

Month 1 

£29

Month 3

£29

Month 6

£29

Month 9

£166

Total Year 1

Become A Patient

Conditions Specialists

Dr Anup Mathew

Lead Psychiatry Specialist

Dr Anup Mathew

Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer

M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd

Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.

Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.

Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.

As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.

Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.

Dr Gerard Sinovich

Lead Pain Specialist

Dr Gerard Sinovich

Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant

MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA

Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.

Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.

Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK.  He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.

Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:

  • Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
  • Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
  • Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
  • Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
  • Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
  • Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain

Medical cannabis, legally prescribed

“From beginning to end, Cantourage have been professional and very easy to deal with. I have referred myself to a few clinics using their online assessments and literally heard nothing back. Within e weeks I had my medications delivered to my door”

FAQ’s

Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.

Can medical cannabis help manage bladder pain or interstitial cystitis?

Yes. Medical cannabis may help reduce chronicbladder pain, pelvic discomfort, and urinary urgency associated with conditionslike interstitial cystitis. At Cantourage Clinic, we offer personalisedcannabis-based treatments for patients whose symptoms persist despite standardtherapies.

Is medical cannabis a legal treatment option for bladder pain in the UK?

Absolutely. In the UK, medical cannabis can belegally prescribed by a specialist doctor for chronic pain conditions,including bladder pain, when other treatments have failed. Cantourage Clinicensures all prescriptions comply with UK regulations for safety andeffectiveness.

What cannabis products might be used for bladder pain relief?

Our doctors may recommend oral oils, capsules, orvaporised cannabis, depending on your needs. CBD-dominant or balanced THC:CBDproducts are often used to reduce pain, inflammation, and associatedanxiety—improving overall quality of life for patients with ongoing bladderissues.

How can I access medical cannabis treatment for bladder pain at Cantourage Clinic?

Begin by booking a consultation with one of ourspecialist doctors. We’ll assess your symptoms, review your treatment history,and determine if medical cannabis is suitable. If eligible, you’ll receive apersonalised treatment plan and ongoing support throughout your journey.

Medical cannabis, legally prescribed