Marilyn Manson believes drugs and alcohol have made germs "afraid to live" in his body.

The 43-year-old singer -- who has written a number of songs about illegal substances, including 'Dope Show' -- claims to have "no health problems" thanks to years of consuming alcohol and taking drugs.

He said: "My body is a place where drugs and alcohol have made germs afraid to live. I have no health problems to speak of, touch wood."

Marilyn is currently dating fashion model and photographer Lindsay Usich, and he is keen to start a family with her so that their little one can "breathe profanity".

He explained: "My girlfriend Lindsay's twin just had a baby and I've started to think that maybe I wouldn't mind passing my demented genius on to some small thing who can set fire and breathe profanity."

Marilyn admits he is still on "good terms" with his ex-wife Dita Von Teese -- who he tied the knot with in November 2005 before the pair divorced in 2007 -- despite her seeming "p***ed" at him during a recent meeting.

He added to the Observer Magazine: "I'm on good terms with my ex-wife, but I saw her recently at the Met Bar in London and I think there's a part of her that's still p***ed at me.

"I am drawn to women who are independent and creative, which is problematic because it's a struggle, a competition of careers. There's jealousy. And if you don't want to be known as Marilyn Manson's girlfriend, why would you be it?

"I'm not some sort of sexual deviant. I think I would laugh nervously in the face of a threesome. I'm shy. I'm the kind of person who turns the lights out."