Chronic pelvic pain is defined as long-standing pain in and around the pelvic area. Causes of chronic pelvic pain can be linked to endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The discomfort may also intensify when you are standing and may be relieved when you are lying down. Some of the other problems associated with chronic pelvic pain include bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction as well as anxiety.