Would-be New Zealand dads are more likely than their Australian counterparts to eat well and exercise regularly while their partners are trying to conceive, a recent survey shows.
However, they are less likely to quit smoking or take nutritional supplements.
The survey of 1016 New Zealand men aged between 25 and 44, revealed 95 percent were prepared to make a conscious effort to eat a well-balanced diet, compared to 84 percent of Australians.
And 89 percent would exercise regularly compared to 78 percent of Australians.
More than half of Australian men surveyed - 55 percent - were more likely to quit or cut down on cigarettes, compared with 44 percent of the New Zealand respondents.
While 67 percent of Australian men would take nutritional supplements to help their partners fall pregnant, only 47 percent of New Zealand men would do the same, the survey commissioned by health care company Bayer Healthcare found.
One in six couples experienced difficulties conceiving, with sperm dysfunction a contributing factor for half, Bayer consumer care brand manager Daniela Westphal said.
"Diet and exercise are known to be significant factors," she said.
"Medical research has also found infertility caused by 'free radicals' can be combated by antioxidants which help prevent cell and tissue damage and promote sperm health."
The survey found most couples - 91 percent - agreed men should take more responsibility to improve their own health before conceiving a child with their partner, Ms Westphal said.
However, it seems there is a limit to the lengths New Zealand men will go to achieve fatherhood, with only 25 percent prepared to give up watching sport on TV if it would help their partner fall pregnant - slightly less than Australians at 31 percent.